Underclassmen add depth to weak senior draft pool

Brian Brohm has thrown for 35 touchdowns and completed more than 64 percent of his passes over the last two years at Louisville. David Bergman/SI

RELATED • PAULINE: 2008 draft prospects on defense

By Tony Pauline, TFY Draft Preview

NFL scouts have been hard at work all summer preparing for the 2008 draft. Their analysis --the senior class looks woeful and an infusion of underclassmen talent is needed on both sides of the ball. Here are the top NFL pro prospects on offense.

(U) -- indicates underclassmen

Quarterbacks

Though no quarterback grades out as a top-five selection, there is plenty of depth and potential at the position.

Brian Brohm/Louisville: An intelligent passer who commands the offense, Brohm does not possess a great NFL arm but is worthy of a top-20 pick.

Chad Henne/Michigan: A big-armed passer who easily gets the ball downfield, Henne has made major strides the past two seasons. Offering the physical make-up to be an NFL starter, Henne could charge up boards if he shows improved accuracy and pass placement this season.

John David Booty/USC: A prototypical pocket passer who improved weekly last season, Booty has all the skills needed to be a first-round pick. If he can withstand the loss of his top two receivers and take his game to the next level, he could be an early selection.

Matt Ryan/Boston College: He's one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the nation. If he displays the ability to throw the deep ball this season, he could sneak into round one.

Colt Brennan/Hawaii: While it's clear Brennan benefits from playing in the pass-happy Hawaii offense, he cannot be classified as a system quarterback. The biggest drawback is that he lacks the size and arm strength scouts look for at the next level.

Sleeper -- Sam Keller/Nebraska: Injury and an unceremonious demotion from the starting job led to his departure from Arizona State. Yet he is a talented passer with good size and arm strength.

Overrated -- Andre Woodson/Kentucky: He effectively leads the Wildcat offense and can throw the ball a country mile, but his pass placement and accuracy leave a lot to be desired.

Running Backs

The senior class of running backs looks terrible. On the other hand, three underclassmen grade out as first-round prospects.

Darren McFadden (U)/Arkansas: A tremendous combination of size, power, speed and instinct, McFadden could be one of the first three players drafted in '08 if he stays healthy.

Steve Slaton (U)/West Virginia: Very much in the mold of Reggie Bush, Slaton is an explosive ball carrier with excellent speed.

Jonathan Stewart (U)/Oregon: Stewart is another big, powerful back with speed. He has all the makings of a feature runner at the next level.

Allen Patrick/Oklahoma: He filled in nicely for the injured Adrian Peterson last season. Now this speedy back must prove he can handle the load for a full season.

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