Eight rookies who can make a difference in '08
Round 1: Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart (Carolina/13)
The Panthers have fielded just one 1,000-yard rusher in the past 11 seasons. That player — Stephen Davis — has almost the exact same physical dimensions as the 5-foot-11, 235-pound Stewart. There was talk that Stewart could slide in the draft following March toe surgery, but his combination of size and speed was too tempting for Carolina to resist. Stewart should start immediately and form a nice one-two combination with slasher DeAngelo Williams.
Round 2: Michigan QB Chad Henne (Miami/57)
Projected as a potential first-round pick, Henne squirmed on his couch Saturday while three other quarterbacks (Matt Ryan, Joe Flacco and Brian Brohm) were selected ahead of him. Henne, though, should be grateful he landed with Miami. The starting quarterback spot is up for grabs between Josh McCown and John Beck -- two players that the strong-armed Henne will have a legitimate chance to compete against. Plus, Henne knows he will have a familiar face — former Wolverines left tackle and Miami's No. 1 pick Jake Long — protecting his blindside.
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| The Lions will have a steal if Kevin Smith turns out to be half as productive as Barry Sanders. (Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images) |
Round 3: Central Florida RB Kevin Smith (Detroit/64)
It's hard to field a run-first offense without quality rushers. This finally dawned upon the Lions after making no effort to bolster that position in free agency or with their first two picks. Detroit traded with Miami to the top of the third round for Smith, who should immediately push Tatum Bell for a starting spot. With 2,567 yards in 2007, Smith finished his junior year with the second-highest single-season rushing total in NCAA history. The record holder: Barry Sanders, the player Detroit has spent a decade trying to replace since his retirement.
Round 4: BYU LB Bryan Kehl (New York Giants/123)
The Giants lost both starting outside linebackers from Super Bowl XLII (Reggie Torbor and Kawika Mitchell) in free agency and signed only one potential veteran replacement (Danny Clark). The Giants also could have another hole if defensive end Michael Strahan retires and Mathias Kiwanuka is shifted back from strong-side linebacker to take his place. Kehl (pronounced KEEL) was one of the Mountain West Conference's best defensive players in 2007. The 24-year-old also is more mature than most draft picks, having spent two years in college serving a Mormon mission.
Round 5: Michigan State TE Kellen Davis (Chicago/158)
Even with Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark on the roster, Davis should receive snaps early as a blocker in three tight-end sets. But he could ultimately make the biggest splash on defense. The 6-foot-7, 262-pound Davis was a part-time end as a Michigan State senior and says he will make a full-time conversion if asked. That's what makes the Bears such a good fit. Chicago coaches think outside the box and have shown willingness to make bold personnel moves to better utilize a player's skill set, like converting Devin Hester from cornerback to wide receiver.
Round 6: Georgia Tech P Durant Brooks (Washington/168)
The only punter chosen in this year's draft, Brooks couldn't have asked for a better NFL opportunity than in Washington. Incumbent Derrick Frost is coming off a so-so season and struggled in Washington's first-round playoff loss to Seattle. Brooks was the 2007 Ray Guy Award winner as the nation's best punter. His 45.31-yard career gross average also ranks fourth in NCAA history.
Round 7: Army S Caleb Campbell (Detroit/218)
Some prospects don't attend college during the spring to focus on pre-draft workouts and visits. Campbell? He is taking 21 hours worth of classes — including one assignment that required an eight-page paper written entirely in Portuguese — while also fulfilling his military duties. With the Army now granting an early leave for potential NFL players, Campbell can fully concentrate on developing the talent that made him Army's highest draft selection since 1947. Campbell's initial contribution under head coach Rod Marinelli — a military veteran himself — will be as a backup safety and special teams player.
Undrafted free agent: LSU LB Ali Highsmith (Arizona)
Injury concerns and pedestrian pre-draft workouts caused Highsmith to slip entirely out of the draft. But Highsmith, the cousin of former NFL running back Alonzo Highsmith, could fit nicely in Arizona's 3-4 defense. In 2007, Highsmith was a first-team All-America selection and Butkus Award semifinalist who finished with 101 tackles for the NCAA-champion Tigers. If he can play special teams, Highsmith has a good shot at making Arizona's 53-man roster.
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