NFL Draft 2008

Darren McFadden in full flight

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Miami Dolphins have already made Jake Long the No.1 at this weekend's NFL Draft in New York, but there are still some great picks on the board.

Here are some of the 'Rookies of 2008' that we here at skysports.com reckon could make a real statement in the pros next season.

Darren McFaddenRunning back, Arkansas
There was no better running back in college football last year than Darren McFadden. He was simply brilliant, wreaking havoc with opposition defences almost wherever he went.

LSU fans will remember his 206-yard, three-touchdown effort that nearly cost them a shot at the National Championship, while South Carolina - who beat Georgia on the road last year - is still talking about his 321-yard rushing game in which D-Mac was simply uncatchable.

Sure, he might have some behavioural issues. But if McFadden stays on the right side of the fence, McFadden's going to become one of the NFL's biggest stars.

Chris LongDefensive end, Virginia
Son of NFL Hall of Famer Howie Long, defensive end Chris Long had a storied career at the University of Virginia.

His fearsome presence often saw him double-teamed by defences - yet he still made 14 sacks with an average of over one per game. One of the most prized defensive players to come out of the draft, Long could well have a big future - if he stays healthy.

Glenn DorseyDefensive tackle, LSU
Had it not been for a disgusting chop-block by an Auburn player in the Tigers' win over their SEC West rivals, we'd be talking about Dorsey at the #1 pick. Sports Illustrated's website had this to say about him: "Strong, explosive plugger on the inside who plays with great intensity. Outstanding athlete that displays great quickness in his all-around game and plays with terrific pad level. Gets leverage on opponents, fights with his hands to get off blocks and holds the point."

But one of the biggest things about Dorsey was his impact last year - when he was struggling, the LSU Tigers struggled.

Dan Connor Linebacker, Penn State
One of the great linebackers to come out of Penn State, Dan Connor was one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing Nittany Lions side.

Connor was brilliant for all of his years starting in State College - possibly even better than one of PSU's other great sons Paul Posluzny - where he put up 113 tackles in 13 games, with two interceptions and three forced fumbles.

Matt RyanQuarterback, Boston College
The biggest reason why Boston College were ranked second in the nation at one stage of the 2007 season, Ryan was scarily good, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 15 touchdowns for a surprisingly strong Eagles side.

Although Ryan will want to forget his performance against Florida State, where he threw the game-winning interception (it went back for a TD), the scouts should talk about his Bradyesque performance against Virginia Tech, when he went from zero to hero in the fourth quarter of the game in a hostile stadium.

Felix JonesRunning back, Arkansas
The second half of the brilliant Arkansas duo for McFadden and Jones, Felix Jones would have been the starting running back at any other school in the nation.

Incredibly elusive, Jones could well start as a running back - he had nearly 1,500 yards last year, OR a kick-off returner. That's right folks, this boy's a speedster.