What about Bob?

First of all, the NFL honchos who streamlined the draft by reducing the time between picks in the first round from 15 minutes to 10 minutes and the second round from 10 minutes to seven minutes deserve credit for making it a much, MUCH more enjoyable first day.

Instead of the six-hour marathon that the first round had become, cutting the time nearly in half made it much, MORE more interesting and palatable day.

That said, we've got one more suggestion: Move the draft back to 12 noon and get three rounds in the first day.

Apparently, we're not the only ones who feel that way.

As for moving the draft out of New York (the contract with Radio City expired after the 2008 draft), we have no problem with that. In fact, it's potentially a good thing. A suggested first stop: New Orleans. Nothing wrong with showing support for the Big Easy post-Katrina. Another potential landing spot: Los Angeles. The NFL is still intent on putting a team in the LA market, so why not move the process along. If I'm not mistaken, the league is having its owners meeting next year in Laguna Beach, Calif., in part to boost interest in getting a team back to Los Angeles.

I know the trendy thing is to immediately analyze every team's draft and assign a letter grade to their performance. It's something I've done in the past, and something I'm sure I'll do in the future.

But this year, I'd like to go a little bit off the beaten path. The reason for my reluctance to assign grades comes about after revisiting the top end of the 2005 draft.

Why that year's draft? Because NFL executives generally agree it takes three years to judge a draft. And now that the Class of 2005 has been around that long, I figured it was time to look back.

And really, you don't have to look very far to see that the results are mixed. At best. Here are the first 10 picks from that draft and where they now stand.

1. San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith, Quarterback, Utah: Now in a competition with an undrafted free agent for the starting job.

2. Miami Dolphins: Ronnie Brown, running back, Auburn: After three mostly undistinguished seasons, coming off knee surgery. He's shown some flashes, though, so the jury's still out.

3. Cleveland Browns: Braylon Edwards, wide receiver, Michigan: A rising star after a breakout season. Probably Boland's favorite player on his beloved Browns.

4. Chicago Bears: Cedric Benson, running back, Texas: Close to being a bust. Not respected inside his own locker room.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, running back, Auburn: Rehabbing from potentially career-ending knee injury.

6. Tennessee Titans: Adam "Pacman" Jones, cornerback, West Virginia: Um .. yeah.

7. Minnesota Vikings (from Oakland): Troy Williamson, wide receiver, South Carolina: Bust. Now in Jacksonville.

8. Arizona Cardinals: Antrel Rolle cornerback, Miami: A washout at corner. Being tried at safety. Cardinals forced to draft another corner this year.

9. Washington Redskins: Carlos Rogers, cornerback, Auburn. Hasn't shown much yet. Recovering from knee injury. May not play until mid-season.

10. Detroit Lions: Mike Williams, wide receiver, USC. Bust. Never in shape. Out of football. Coming soon to a buffet line near you.

PS: Brandon Jacobs was a fourth-round pick that year and he's about to be get his first Super Bowl ring. Marques Colston was a seventh-round pick that year and he's the Saints' top receiver. Go figure.

Steelers: We barely heard a peep about the preferred team of Black N Gold and BBiB!, but these guys came away with two pretty terrific players. Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall (one of my personal faves from this draft because of his versatility) in the first round and Texas WR Limas Sweed in the second is quite a haul. Big Ben - the real Big Ben - gets his wish for a tall receiver in Sweed, and Willie Parker now gets a breather with Mendenhall, who might one day take over the starter's job. Fourth round T Tony Hills of Texas gives them some depth at a key spot. What I really like about personnel chief Kevin Colbert: He lets the draft come to him.

Panthers: There's no secret to what John Fox wants to do: Run the football and play good defense. Well, he got plenty on both counts. Oregon RB Jonathan Stewart is the best run/pass back in the draft. He's coming off foot surgery, but should be ok for training camp. T Jeff Otah was one of the premier half dozen blockers in the first round. And how about getting LB Dan Connor of Penn State in the third round? Some folks had him graded as high as a low first-rounder. Third-round S Charles Godfrey a potential replacement for Mike Minter.

Chiefs: It's not often we endorse trading away a blue chip pass rusher. But given the circumstances, I think the Chiefs will eventually come out ahead by dealing Jared Allen and collecting draft picks. The Chiefs appeared to do quite well over the weekend, nabbing LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, for my money the best lineman in the draft, and blue chip G/T Branden Albert of Virginia. Virginia Tech CB Brandon Flowers was there in the second round (first-round talent), and third-round S DaJuan Morgan of North Carolina is a potential steal. If the Chiefs can get production from 6 or 7 of their 12 picks, they're ahead of the game.

Packers: Packers GM Ted Thompson is one of the best in the business. He has NEVER EVER traded up in a draft, although he's moved down 15 times, including this year in the first round. He came away with Kansas State WR Jordy Nelson in the second round and then got more help at quarterback in the post-Brett Favre era by taking Louisville's Brian Brohm at 56 overall. Not bad for a kid who probably would have been a top 5 overall pick had he come out after the 2006 season. Thompson also bought some more QB insurance with LSU's Matt Flynn, who may not have all the talent in the world, but is a proven winner.

Giants: The best safety in the draft fell right into the defending Super Bowl champs' laps at No. 31 overall. That fills an immediate need after the Giants lost Gibril Wilson to the Raiders. GM Jerry Reese wanted a corner, too, and he got a potentially good one in the second round with Terrell Thomas of USC. And if third-round WR Mario Manningham of Michigan pans out, this will be a steal. Not saying it will happen, because Manningham has plenty of growing up to do. But the Giants generally don't make mistakes with misbehaving players. See: Ahmad Bradshaw in 2007.

Cardinals: It isn't often the Cardinals pick in the middle of the first round (they're usually a top 10 pick because they usually stink the year before), but they did a solid job in addressing needs with what appear to be quality players. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was the second best corner in this draft, and they got him at 16. And second-round DE Calais Campbell of Miami might be a steal if he pans out. A big if, but certainly not out of the question. And LSU receiver Early Doucet in the third round is a potential hedge against the team not being able to extend Anquan Boldin's contract.

Ravens: GM Ozzie Newsome was wheeling and dealing early, trading down from No. 8 and then moving up to No. 18 to get Delaware QB Joe Flacco. This kid has a chance to be very good with the right coaching. Rutgers RB Ray Rice adds a nice change-up element, and Newsome came away with five picks in the next two rounds, including OLB Tavares Gooden of Miami. That is a good day at the office.

Patriots: Not a bad draft, considering the Pats had surrendered their own first-round pick in the Spygate affair. They did have the 49ers' seventh overall choice, and wound up trading down to 10 before selecting Tennessee OLB Jerod Mayo. We really like this guy, although we suspect the Pats would like to have taken him a shade lower down. Third-round QB Kevin O'Connell adds depth behind Tom Brady.

Jets: I'm not saying this thing won't work out. But there are some legitimate issues about whether DE/OLB Vernon Gholston will make the transition to the pros. I'll give the Jets the benefit of the doubt on this one, but Gholston had better be willing to make this thing work. I don't quibble too much with the selection of Purdue TE Dustin Keller, just the notion of trading up to get him at No. 30. Erik Ainge of Tennessee and interesting pick as a developmental quarterback.

Raiders: If Arkansas RB Darren McFadden turns out to be a star, then this whole draft will have been worth it. If not, then the Raiders will be stuck in the Black Hole a good while longer. I'm somewhat skeptical about how well McFadden will do. He is wonderfully talented and fast as the wind. But I do wonder if that speed will translate at the NFL level. We're about to find out.

Seahawks: USC DE Lawrence Jackson an interesting choice at No. 25, but just not sure if he's got first-round ability. Second-round TE John Carlson of Notre Dame addresses a glaring need. Seventh-round RB Justin Forsett of Cal added to a very crowded backfield.

Falcons: Is Boston College's Matt Ryan truly a franchise quarterback at No. 3 overall? Not sure anyone knows the answer, but the whole thing hinges on what he turns into. Huge reach for USC T Sam Baker at No. 21 overall. Had second-round grade ... at best. I do like second-round ILB Curtis Lofton, though, and LSU CB Chevis Jackson a good value in the third.

Buccaneers: Kansas CB Aqib Talib addresses a need, but Bucs hope character issues cloud his NFL future. Good value on second-round WR Dexter Jackson of Appalachian State. And what would a Bucs draft be without Jon Gruden getting yet another quarterback on his roster. Add Josh Johnson of San Diego to the mix.

Texans: Man, these guys must have been desperate for a tackle, because they made the biggest reach of the first round with Virginia Tech's Duane Brown. There was a group of six first-round tackles this year, and Brown wasn't close to that group. Antwaun Molden a solid pick in the third round.

Titans: Let's see. Vince Young is your franchise quarterback, and he has been begging for a wide receiver. So ... it's running back Chris Johnson in the first round!! Johnson has 4.24 speed, but I'll take a slower, more reliable runner between the tackles. Wait ... I'll take a receiver instead! What about Limas Sweed, Young's former teammate at Texas?

Eagles: Both your offensive tackles are 100 years old ... close, anyway. The draft is filled with quality blockers, especially in the first round. So what do the Eagles do? They trade out of the round and wind up with Notre Dame DT Trevor Laws as their top choice in the second round. WR DeSean Jackson addresses a need, but I don't know if I trust guys who are smaller than I am.

Redskins: I get it that you want to get a receiver. Fine. Devin Thomas of Michigan State is a good value in the second round. But with all the team's other needs, why go ahead and draft WR Malcolm Kelly of Oklahoma later in the round? Fred Davis of USC is a quality tight end, but didn't you just invest huge dollars in H-back/TE Chris Cooley?

(Translated: nothing to write home about, but nothing to complain about either.)

Broncos: They quietly addressed two major needs with the first two picks: OT Ryan Clady of Boise State and Virginia Tech WR Eddie Royal.

Lions: Ditto for the Lions, who got a qualify OT in Gosder Cherilus of Boston College (a guy the Giants were looking at) and OLB Jordan Dixon of Colorado.

Bears: Yet another team that gets a quality tackle, this time with Chris Williams of Vanderbilt. Second round RB Matt Forte might very well give Cedric Benson a run for the money.

Vikings: No first-round pick (traded in Jared Allen deal). But they did get a top-flight safety in Tyrell Johnson of Arkansas State. They also got some competition for Tarvaris Jackson with fifth-round QB John David Booty of USC.

49ers: Wonder if they regret trading away this year's first-round pick to the Pats. Niners did get a potentially good DT in Kentwan Balmer of North Carolinato replace recently retired Bryant Young. Not much else, though.

All the big-name players whose names had been bandied about weren't dealt after all.

Jeremy Shockey.

Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor.

Lions receiver Roy Williams.

Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin.

Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard.

And, of course, Bengals receiver Chad Johnson, who has done all he can to force the Bengals to deal him, only to be told "no" by head coach Marvin Lewis.

My first career live blog was an awesome experience, especially sitting in with Adam "Big Cat" Abramson, Mr. College Football.

We went at it for more than six hours from Radio City, and plenty of folks chimed in with very insightful comments. Thanks to all who participated. If you missed it, just click onto the blog to replay it. You can jump to any spot you like.

The only drawback to this whole "live blog" thing is that we don't get credit for page views the way we normally do. But it sure was fun having Neil Best join in on the blog and whine about how this might move me past him in the page views war.

Once he found out that we actually would get LESS page views because of it, I'm fairly certain he did a back handspring in the basement.

Ok, this is it. The definitive, up-to-the-minute, no-more-changes mock draft heading into tomorrow's action.

Jets take Vernon Gholston. Giants take Kenny Phillips.

Thanks to Mark Dwyer on the Newsday.com desk for getting it done.

I would say thanks to La Monica and Big Cat Abramson, but I won't. They know why. Inside joke. I'll write it in my book.

... or, at least until I change my mind and drive the editors in the office nuts.

Mock drafts have become a cottage industry in recent years, with the experts coming out with draft-day scenarios months in advance. These things are always a crapshoot, and the success rate is usually about the same as the success rate of the players themselves.

In other words, it's not very high.

But who cares? The fun is in the guesswork.

Still time to weigh in on your own mock. Pick the top 10, plus the Giants' pick at No. 31. The winner will get to write a "What About Bob" guest post. I'd offer a prize, but it involves legal mumbo jumbo on our end and gets too complicated. I can't even offer a ham and cheese sandwich without having the lawyers approve it.

Here's another draft-related video to chew on.

Abramson and I discuss what a fine job Jerry Reese did last season with the Giants' draft and some of the challenges he faces this weekend.

If you are a friend, relative, colleague, or jeffp, I know: These videos are kinda creepy.

But Newsday did get nominated for four Eppy's, which is apparently a big deal in the Internet world. My guess is the Eppy ranks somewhere in importance between and ESPY and a gold star.

As on the previous video, the vast production staff was led by Mr. La Monica.

And if you really want to get some insight into the Giants' plans, please read Tom Rock's blog.

Here's what Adam Abramson and I did on a Wednesday afternoon in New York. There was a cast of thousands behind the scenes, so please take a moment to thank them for their efforts. Mark La Monica led the vast production team at Marseilles Restaurant in Manhattan.

It's nice to see that Abramson wears a tie to work these days.

Please read Erik Boland's blog for plenty of Jets' stuff. He was in Central Park yesterday chasing down Kellen Clemens. It was an interesting afternoon.

Which is why I decided to write about him for today's newspaper.

Flacco is the Delaware quarterback who has wowed scouts during the off-season with a series of strong workouts. Sure, it was only a Division I-AA program he played at, but at 6-6 with an exceptional arm, he is not likely to last past the top part of the second round on Saturday.

Interesting Giants' connection here: Flacco trained in the off-season with former Jints QB Scott Brunner, who also went to Delaware.

Among the teams that have shown interest in the kid: the Jets. Not sure what they'd do if Flacco fell to them in the first round, but I believe there is a decent possibility they'd add him to the mix with Chad P. and Kellen C.

The Packers will give him serious consideration at No. 30, and the Seahawks, Ravens, Falcons, Vikings and Chiefs are also interested. The Dolphins expressed early interest, but backed off in recent weeks. Still, that doesn't mean they're out of the picture.

Actually, they're my draft rankings, but they're all for you. A one-stop shopping place for all your draft needs. A complete mock draft coming soon to your neighborhood blog.

Quarterback.

Running back.

Wide receiver/tight end.

Offensive line.

Defensive line.

Linebacker.

Defensive back.

1. Leodis McKelvin, Troy, 5-10, 192. Exceptional cover corner who has improved his stock immensely with top off-season workouts … can also return punts … had three punt return TDs and a 17.4-yard average last year … had eight career return TDs (7 punt, 1 kickoff) … had two interceptions last season …level of competition in college only concern.

2. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State, 6-1, 182. Considered a top shutdown corner … long jumper in track and field … some concerns because he has only one kidney ... can return punts, although not a big-time returner … according to team stats, opposing qbs completed only 34 percent of their attempts when throwing to Rodgers-Cromartie’s side … had school record four blocked kicks … had 11 career interceptions ... cousin of Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie.

3. Mike Jenkins, South Florida, 5-11, 196. Projected as a corner, but might one day play safety … a true burner with 4.35 speed … lack of aggressiveness as corner might prompt some teams to view him more as safety … had six career interceptions and broke up 41 passes … has played both left and right cornerback in college … in addition to three interceptions in 2007, also deflected 12 passes ... some question his work ethic.

4. * Kenny Phillips, Miami, 6-1, 213. Top pure safety in the draft … latest in a long line of top-flight safeties to come out of Miami, including Ed Reed, the late Sean Taylor, and Brandon Meriweather, although Phillips might not be quite at their level … had a terrific year in 2007 with 82 tackles, three forced fumbles and two interceptions … not an exceptionally big hitter … 4.5 speed allows him to close very quickly on passes … can play either safety spot, depending on particular team’s needs.

5. * Aqib Talib, Kansas, 6-0, 206. One of the top cover corners in the draft, an exceptional athlete with 4.5 speed … good instincts around the ball … probably the best ball-hawking corner in the draft … finished with 13 career interceptions, including a combined 11 over the last two seasons … caught eight passes last year for 182 yards and four TDs … admitted he tested positive marijuana at the combine.

6. * Reggie Smith, Oklahoma, 6-1, 196. Can play corner but most likely projects as NFL safety … good on run support … good toughness and aggressiveness … a solid kickoff returner with 21.9-yard average … closes well on passes … had eight career interceptions in three seasons.

7. Antoine Cason, Arizona, 6-0, 190. Comes from a football family; father, Wendell, was a Falcons defensive back. His cousins, Ken-yon Rambo and Aveion Carson have played in the NFL … not a burner, but has good toughness … a solid punt returner last season, with two TD returns and 10.0-yard average.

8. Patrick Lee, Auburn, 6-0, 200. Can play corner or free safety … was voted team’s most improved linebacker/defensive back by the team’s coaching staff … was sixth in the SEC with four interceptions. Had 10 deflected passes … had a career-high four interceptions in 2007.

9. Tyrell Johnson, Arkansas State, 5-11, 207. Very big hitter who projects as a strong safety … has plenty of speed (4.45) for both run support and pass coverage … did very well at combine … maybe the best tackler of this year’s defensive backs.

10. * Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech, 5-9, 189. Solid cover corner … had five interceptions last season and a combined eight his last two years … not a great 40 time for a corner (4.55) but seems to have better football speed.

* Junior.

1. Keith Rivers, USC, 6-2, 238. A terrific prospect at outside linebacker, continuing a strong tradition for the position at USC … Had combined 12 ½ sacks his last two seasons … finished with combined 163 tackles his last two years … can chase down runners and quarterbacks from behind … part of a defense that ranked fourth in the nation in run defense (84.2 ypg).

2. * Jerod Mayo, Tennessee, 6-1, 242. Fast-rising outside linebacker prospect has rocketed up plenty of draft boards in recent weeks … can play inside, but most scouts view him as a better weakside ‘backer … his 140 tackles last season were most by Tennessee defender since Earnest Fields in 1990 … had 19 tackles against Kentucky.

3. Dan Connor, Penn State, 6-2, 235. Yet another top linebacker prospect from Penn State … can play both inside and outside, but speed makes him a better outside ‘backer prospect for NFL … did strong job replacing Bills first-round LB Paul Posluszny at middle linebacker last season.

4. Curtis Lofton, Oklahoma, 6-0, 237. Has experience at both inside and outside, but strong work late last season at middle linebacker will probably make him a better inside prospect … had 157 tackles last season, tied for seventh best in school history ... had 10 or more tackles in eight games.

5. Cliff Avril, Purdue, 6-2, 251. Fast-rising prospect with good series of post-season workouts … can play outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense or rush end in a 3-4 … as defensive end last year, had 6 ½ sacks … good football instincts and versatility.

6. * Erin Henderson, Maryland, 6-3, 236. Best suited as outside linebacker … younger brother of NFL linebacker E.J. Henderson … doesn’t possess great flat-out speed … solid in pass coverage … reliable tackler.

7. Quentin Groves, Auburn, 6-3, 257. Very good speed (in the 4.5’s) in the 40 gives him potential as pass-rushing OLB … A bit inconsistent at college level … had 9 ½ sacks in 2006, but only three last season … will need to develop better moves at pro level, since he won’t be able to rely solely on speed.

8. Ali Highsmith, LSU, 6-0, 230. Lack of height a drawback, although has good football instincts … big issue is lack of speed, especially for an outside linebacker prospect … slow 40 times at combine have scouts concerned, although he had groin problems at the time … cousin of former NFL running back Alonzo Highsmith.

9. * Geno Hayes, Florida State, 6-0, 226. A bit undersized, but very competitive … lack of size and strength makes him weakside OLB … arrest in bar fight last fall won’t help his draft-day stock.

* Junior.

UP NEXT: Defensive backs

1. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU, 6-1, 297. A bruiser of a player with a mean streak during games … rarely takes plays off … a bit short to carry a lot of weight … allayed fears of lingering knee and lower leg injuries with solid personal workout … probably best suited as 4-3 tackle, although could play nose in 3-4 if needed … exceptional player against the run.

2. Chris Long, DE, Virginia, 6-3, 275. Relentless style leaves few holes in his game … great bloodlines; his father is Hall of Fame former Raiders lineman Howie Long … named ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2007 … had 14 sacks, 23 QB pressures, nine pass break-ups and an interception in 2007.

3. * Vernon Gholston, DE/LB, Ohio State, 6-3, 267. Sleek build makes him somewhat of a hybrid … best suited for rush end/linebacker in 3-4 alignment … had 14 sacks last season … enjoyed exceptional performance at combine, which saw his stock rise dramatically in off-season … solid in pass coverage when called upon … sometimes takes plays off.

4. Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC, 6-1, 306. Bruising interior force … probably helped draft stock by staying in school after injury-shortened junior season … Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year …. Had 8 ½ sacks and 12 ½ stops for losses last season … also knocked down seven passes and recovered two fumbles … diligent worker.

5. Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida, 6-5, 270. Had back-to-back strong years in 2006-07 … produced 8 ½ sacks last year … In just 18 starts, had 20 ½ sacks … A pure pass rusher … good strength makes him an adequate run defender.

6. * Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson, 6-5, 275. Some scouts think another year of seasoning would have helped him had he come out in 2009 … Still, a solid force as a pass rusher … In 26 starts, had 12 sacks, 31 stops for losses and 45 QB pressures … Very durable.

7. Kentwan Balmer, DT/DE, North Carolina, 6-5, 305. Very good all-around size and power … Had solid year in 2007 with 3 ½ sacks and 68 tackles … Versatility allows him to play at end, although probably projected more as tackle.

8. * Calais Campbell, DE, Miami, 6-7, 290. Tremendous height and huge wingspan … had six sacks in 2007 and forced two fumbles … might have been better off getting an extra year of experience before coming into draft … size-speed ratio make him a guy with good upside down the road.

9. Lawrence Jackson, USC, 6-4, 272. A solid all-around prospect with good athleticism ... played alongside several top players in good college system ... had 10 1/2 sacks to go with 77 tackles last season ... good run-stopper.

* Junior

UP NEXT: Linebackers

Offensive line is considered one of the deepest positions in the draft, and several tackle prospects, as well as guard Branden Albert, are expected to be drafted in the first round. A closer look:

1. Jake Long, Michigan, 6-7, 313. Excellent physical structure … Very capable left tackle during college … good work ethic … some question as to whether he can become an elite left tackle at the pro level … some scouts view him more as a right tackle who will excel more in run blocking.

2. Branden Albert, Virginia, 6-5, 309. Projected by some scouts as a guard … a former schoolboy basketball player, only started playing football in high school … very good athleticism, which improves his stock as a pulling guard … excellent power.

3. * Ryan Clady, Boise State, 6-6, 309. Played defensive tackle in high school and switched over to offensive line in college … has experience at both tackle positions … some concerns about level of competition … comes in as a junior, which is somewhat unusual for an offensive lineman.

4. Gosder Cherlius, Boston College, 6-6, 314. Underrated prospect … played right tackle for three seasons at BC before switching over to left tackle last season … set a school record with 51 straight starts … powerful blocker … diligent worker.

5. Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh, 6-6, 325. Projected by some scouts as a better right tackle … reasonably athletic, but power his strong suit … has a background in basketball.

6. Chris Williams, Vanderbilt, 6-6, 320. Very consistent, especially in pass protection … has some experience at guard, but is expected to play tackle in the NFL …solidly built for NFL program … strong performance at scouting combine elevated his stock to potential first-round status.

7. Sam Baker, USC, 6-4, 309. A four-year starter who has relied as much on guile and smarts as physical prowess … could be viewed as guard or right tackle … relentless work ethic … Son of Arena Football League commissioner David Baker.

8. Oniel Cousins, UTEP, 6-3, 312. Solid guard prospect … good work ethic … very competitive … has basketball background … converted from defensive line to offensive line in college.

9. Mike Pollak, Arizona State. 6-4, 300. Probably the best center prospect in this year’s draft … can also play guard … tough-minded player with good leadership qualities … strong showings in postseason should improve his draft stock.

* Junior.

UP NEXT: Defensive line.

1. Limas Sweed, Texas, 6-3, 215. Terrific size and adequate speed (4.5 in the 40) make him a solid all-around prospect … has background in basketball and track … A wrist injury sidelined the last seven games last season, but he is now fully healthy … Went into last season with a streak of 33 straight starts … Finished with just 19 catches for 306 yards and three TDs because of injury.

2. Devin Thomas, Michigan State, 6-2, 218. Transferred to Michigan State in 2006 from junior college in Kansas … Finished with 79 catches for 1,260 yards and eight TDs last year … good size and excellent speed (4.4) … Can return kicks … Relative inexperience at big-time level a slight concern … might take time to develop.

3. DeSean Jackson, California, 5-9, 169. Biggest asset is speed (4.39 in the 40) … size an obvious concern, although teams will use example of Santana Moss as a comparison … Had a solid junior season with 1,069 yards and nine TDs, but tailed off in 2007, partly because of thumb problems … Excellent punt returner … durability an issue because of his size.

4. Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma, 6-3, 224. Speed a question after running a 4.6 during a recent workout … Very physical receiver … Had 832 receiving yards and nine TDs last season … Raised some eyebrows with his criticism of Oklahoma during his workout, blaming his slow 40 time on a slow bad running surface.

5. Mario Manningham, Michigan, 5-11, 182. No questions about his ability, but off-field issues a problem … was arrested in 2007 for possession of Vicodin and marijuana … started 24 of the 34 games in which he played, and had 137 receptions for 2,310 yards (16.9-yard average) and 27 touchdowns, scoring 162 points. He added 176 yards on 31 carries and 17 yards on a punt return, amassing 2,503 all-purpose yards, an average of 73.62 yards per game … had some knee problems the last two years, but is healthy now.

6. Dustin Keller (tight end), Purdue, 6-2, 245. Good pass catching prospect who finished with 881 yards and seven TDs last season despite playing much of the season with a shoulder problem … solid, but not overpowering blocker … a converted wide receiver … excelled in individual drills at the scouting combine.

7. Jordy Nelson, Kansas State. 6-2, 217. Had a spectacular season in 2007, coming up with 122 catches for 1,606 yards and 11 TDs … Solid speed (4.54) … Could be a good sleeper pick … very good hands.

8. Early Doucet, LSU, 6-0, 210. Missed four games with a groin injury in 2007 but came back to produce 57 catches for 525 yards and five TDs … solid, not overwhelming size-speed ratio … good hands and willing to make the tough catch over the middle …durability a question.

9. James Hardy, Indiana, 6-5, 217. Height is greatest asset … good speed (4.54) … Arrested and changed with domestic battery in May, 2006 … suspended for two games for personal reasons in 2006 … had an exceptional year in 2007 with 79 catches for 1,125 yards and 16 TDs … character issues will hurt his stock.

10. Dexter Jackson, Appalachian State, 5-9, 182. A true burner with 4.38 speed … small frame could affect draft status … fastest receiver at the scouting combine … good punt returner … had 688 yards and eight TDs last year.

11. Martellus Bennett (tight end), Texas A & M, 6-6, 259. Very good size and can gain bulk in NFL weight program … had 587 receiving yards and four TDs … a bit slow (4.7), so limited receiving ability … solid blocker.

UP NEXT: Offensive linemen.

A look at the top running backs in this year’s draft class:

• 1. Darren McFadden, Arkansas, 6-1, 211. Phenomenal speed (4.36) and stunning quickness make McFadden one of the best running back prospects to come along in recent years … ran for 1,830 yards and 16 TDs last season, setting the school’s single-season rushing record … set an SEC record of 2,433 all-purpose yards … some concern about the fact that his upper body is thick, while his lower body is unusually thin for a running back … some character issues off the field.

• 2. Jonathan Stewart, Oregon, 5-10, 235. Best combination of running/receiving skills of any back coming into the draft … had off-season foot surgery that could limit him in training camp, but is not expected to hurt him long-term … can return kicks … ran for 1,722 yards and 11 TDs last season … averaged 26.7 yards on kickoff returns in 2007 … has 4.47 speed.

• 3. Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois, 5-10, 225. Like Stewart, a very good runner/receiver … Led Illini last year with 1,681 yards and 17 TDs … added 34 catches for 318 yards and two TDs … has very good cutback ability … likes to take on tacklers head-on, something he’ll need to avoid to maintain durability … good knack for finding the open lane … solidly built … motivation occasionally questioned.

• 4. Felix Jones, Arkansas, 5-10, 208. Played in the shadow of teammate Darren McFadden, but is a more than respectable talent who could be highly productive at the NFL level … can also return kicks … has 4.5 speed … lack of workhorse type production might be a drawback, although there was no way he’d take any carries away from McFadden … rushed for 1,162 yards and 8 TDs last year.

• 5. Ray Rice, Rutgers, 5-8, 200. A stud at Rutgers, he’s a bit short for the pro game, but is built low to the ground, which scouts like … Had two terrific years in 2006-07, rushing for 1,894 yards and 20 TDs in ’06 and 2,012 yards and 24 TDs last season … 4.47 speed is more than adequate … limited ability as a receiver.

6. Matt Forte, Tulane, 6-1, 217. Had knee problems in 2006, but had successful surgery and came back strong last year, rushing for 2,127 yards and 23 touchdowns … good pass catcher with 32 catches … looked at as more of a power back at the pro level.

7. Chris Johnson, East Carolina, 5-11, 195 … Speed his biggest asset ... his 4.27 40 at the combine was a stunner … scouts uncertain whether that will translate into pros … could figure as a returner … rushed for 1,423 yards and 17 TDs.

8. Jamaal Charles, Texas, 5-11, 200. Has 4.4 speed … background in track helps his speed … ran for 1,619 yards and 18 TDs last season … had 17 catches … concerns about ball security … not always a reliable inside runner.

9. Tashard Choice, Georgia Tech, 5-10, 215. Decent speed (4.51) but not blazing … has had injury issues (knee) the last two seasons … rushed for 1,379 yards and 10 TDs last year.

• Enters draft as a junior eligible.

Up next: Wide receivers/tight ends

Here's a look at ESPN draft guru Todd McShay's latest mock.

McShay has been a long-time proponent of the Dolphins taking quarterback Matt Ryan of BC, but he now predicts Miami will take Michigan tackle Jake Long, with whom the team is currently negotiating a contract.

Welcome to a Bill Parcells-led draft, Todd. Tuna will keep us all guessing for a while.

The "What About Bob" mock contest (top 10 players, plus the Giants' pick at No. 31) kicks off tomorrow.

A look at the top quarterback prospects in this year’s draft:

1. Matt Ryan, Boston College, 6-4, 228. The class of this year’s group, although there is a difference of opinion among scouts about just how good he will become as a pro … Threw for 4,507 yards, 31 TDs and 19 INTs last season … Won Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the country’s top senior quarterback … Great leadership qualities … played despite a broken bone in his foot as a junior … occasionally throws into coverage … not very elusive.

2. Brian Brohm, Louisville, 6-3, 230. Very productive college quarterback, although here, too, there are questions about whether he’s a franchise-caliber NFL passer … Threw for 4,024 yards, 30 TDs and 12 INTs last season, setting the school record for touchdown passes … comes from a football family; brothers Greg and Jeff, as well as father, Oscar, played at Louisville … has a low release point that concerns some scouts … good, not great arm … has had some injury issues (knee, shoulder) … very diligent worker.

3. Chad Henne, Michigan, 6-3, 230. Very experienced quarterback, having played all four years at Michigan … battled through shoulder and ankle injuries as a senior and missed time because of the injuries … threw for only 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions … classic dropback passer with limited mobility … needs improvement at avoiding the rush … finished with school record 87 touchdown passes.

4. Joe Flacco, Delaware, 6-6, 238. Intriguing prospect because of his size and arm strength. Maybe the strongest thrower in the draft … concerns about level of competition … threw for 4,263 yards, 23 TDs and only 5 INTs last season … because of size and limited escapability, needs consistently good pocket to throw from … has worked on dropbacks in the off-season, since Delaware often used the shotgun formation ... worked with former NFL QB Scott Brunner to enhance his draft status ... some teams have him as the second best quarterback in the draft.

5. Andre Woodson, Kentucky, 6-4, 226. Extremely productive college passer … threw for 3,709 yards, a whopping 40 TDs and only 11 INTs in 2007 … set school and conference records for most touchdown passes in a season … set the NCAA record for most consecutive completions without an INT (325) … had a rating of 144.5 as a senior … the big drawback is his throwing motion, which many scouts believes takes too much time … will have to change it to deal with the faster, more aggressive NFL defenses.

6. John David Booty, USC, 6-2, 220. Replaced Matt Leinart in 2006, and led Trojans to back-to-back Rose Bowl titles, throwing a combined seven TD passes in both games … missed three games last season with broken finger, finishing with 2,361 yards, 23 TDs and 10 INTs … average arm strength … father, Johnny, a college quarterback, and brother, Josh, a former baseball (Marlins) and football player (LSU, Browns) . . . after returning from broken finger, Trojans went 5-0 and outscored opponents, 165-68 … some scouts believe Booty a product of USC system and won’t necessarily take the next step at the NFL level.

Noteworthy:

Colt Brennan, Hawaii. 6-2, 207. Considered a "system" quarterback and not highly regarded by NFL scouts ... had off-season hip surgery ... small frame works against him.

Erik Ainge, Tennessee, 6-5, 225. Nephew of former Celtics guard Danny Ainge ... good height, but inconsistent thrower ... productive career at Tennessee (31 TDs, 10 INTs last year), but viewed as an NFL backup type.

Josh Johnson, San Diego, 6-3, 201. Could be a sleeper here, because of his exceptional productivity in college, where he threw for a school-record 43 touchdown passes last season.

UP NEXT: Running backs

Tuesday's the official start of the 2008 "What About Bob Mock Draft Contest." In the meantime, check out Mike Mayock's mock for a little guidance. Mayock is one of the top draft guys out there, and he has great insight into what's going on.

There are a couple longshot picks in here, but that's what this draft is all about. With precious few "can't miss" guys, there will be plenty of surprises.

For our purposes - and to make sure that BBiB!'s head doesn't explode while doing his Excel spreadsheets - we'll go 1-10, and then the Giants' pick at No. 31.

Interesting reaction from Oklahoma wide receiver Malcolm Kelly after he ran a 4.68 in the 40 at yesterday's workout in front of NFL scouts.

That is a very poor time for a receiver - heck, many linebackers run faster. But Kelly blames the switch to a softer surface he was asked to run on. And he says it's the school's fault. School officials beg to differ.

Bill Parcells has a nickname for this kind of player: a blame guy. Always looking around the locker room looking for someone else to blame when things go wrong. Tuna never enjoyed having "blame guys" on his team, and usually found a way to get rid of them.

Kelly's take on what happened: "This is my life. You know what I'm saying? This ain't no school. This ain't no classroom. This ain't got nothing to do with that. This has to do with me; my family. This is what I do. I play football. And I'm supposed to come out here and run as fast as I can."