Hot Prospects

SI senior writer Jim Trotter asked seven NFL personnel evaluators to identify the top 10 players in this year's draft. Matt Ryan was named on every list—as were these five

GLENN DORSEY, DT, LSU 6'2", 316
No interior defensive lineman was as dominant last season as Dorsey, winner of the Outland, Lombardi and Nagurski awards and SEC defensive player of the year. He excelled despite facing constant double teams and sustaining a sprained knee midway through the season. One NFL team doctor reportedly red-flagged him at the combine because of a 2006 leg injury, but other clubs expressed less concern. He'll work out for teams at his March 26 pro day. WHERE HE'LL LAND Miami (which has the No. 1 pick) or Atlanta (3). If the Dolphins take Ryan, the Falcons figure to select Dorsey, even though Virginia defensive end Chris Long might still be on the board. Dorsey would fill a huge void on the Atlanta interior line and give p.r.-conscious owner Arthur Blank a player with excellent name recognition among the Falcons' fan base.

SEDRICK ELLIS, DT, USC, 6'1", 305
A three-year starter who was voted the Pac-10 defensive player of the year, Ellis had 812 sacks last season and was almost unblockable one-on-one. He has great balance and knows how to get leverage. WHERE HE'LL LAND Ellis's future could hinge on whether teams back away from Dorsey because of medical concerns. If so, he could be a fit in Atlanta (3), Oakland (4) or New Orleans (10).

CHRIS LONG, DE, VIRGINIA, 6'4", 275
The ACC defensive player of the year and a first-team All-America last season, Long led the Cavaliers with 14 sacks and 23 quarterback pressures. He's tough and relentless and has a great pedigree: His father, Howie, is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. WHERE HE'LL LAND Miami (1) or Oakland (4). Long would be the safe choice for the Dolphins, but if that doesn't happen, he could wind up with the Raiders. Al Davis loves to talk about tradition, and Howie was a Raiders second-round pick in 1981 and spent his entire career with the club.

JAKE LONG, T, MICHIGAN, 6'7", 315
The consensus best tackle in the draft, Long is strong and has solid footwork, long arms and a nasty attitude. WHERE HE'LL LAND St. Louis (2) or Kansas City (5). It's unlikely he'd get past the Rams, whose offensive line was devastated by injury last season. Still, St. Louis could be tempted to draft Chris Long if he's still on the board, in which case Jake Long would be a perfect fit for the Chiefs.

DARREN MCFADDEN, RB, ARKANSAS, 6'2", 210
A two-time Heisman runner-up, he rushed for 3,477 yards over his final two seasons and surpassed 100 yards 22 times in 38 career games. McFadden has an excellent work ethic and tremendous passion for the game. WHERE HE'LL LAND A tough call, because the teams in the top 10 that could use him—Atlanta (3), Oakland (4), the Jets (5) and Cincinnati (9)—have more pressing needs. Don't be surprised if Dallas owner (and Arkansas alum) Jerry Jones makes a deal to move up and get McFadden. The Cowboys have two first-round picks (22, 28), and with Julius Jones expected to leave as a free agent, they'd like to add another back to team with Marion Barber.