More from McGinn and the article based on info from league insiders... these are some of the players from the article.
Malcolm Jenkins, CB-S, Ohio State: 6-0, 195. Started for 3½ seasons at cornerback but might eventually land at safety. "He doesn't have that top-level quickness, speed and change of direction to be a front-line corner," one scout said. "For a Cover 2 team, maybe. Really good feel. Ball skills are good. Just kind of a tweener." An emotional player with leadership ability. Loves to talk trash. "He's a little tight but a good player," another scout said. "But how fast is he? He is physical."
Everette Brown*, DE-OLB, Florida State: 6-3, 255. Declared a year early after posting 13½ sacks in 2008. "He's a better athlete than Woodley but Woodley was just a tough kind of guy," one scout said. "This kid doesn't play the run at all. Just weak and non-competitive. He scares you because there's been so many Florida State guys like him that haven't done anything, as (the Packers) know." That was in reference to former Seminoles DE Jamal Reynolds, Green Bay's top pick in 2001. Played with his hand down but might project to LB. "I don't see that," another scout said. "He looks a little slow-footed. He's not a smooth guy at all. He does play hard."
B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College: 6-1½, 337. "Really a wide body," one scout said. "Good stoutness. Quick. You just wonder if the big guys here will be able to get over the top of him because he's so short. He's not like (Vince) Wilfork." Started in 2005-'06, then declared academically ineligible in '07 before returning in '08. "Wilfork is taller," another scout said. "But all of them, including (Casey) Hampton, possess natural strength and quickness, which is what made them good."
Jason Smith, T, Baylor: 6-5, 309. Starting TE in 2005, RT in '06 and LT the last two years. "He's probably the safest pick of the top tackles," one scout said. "More physical than Monroe." Tremendous practice player. "Jason's the most athletically gifted of all the tackles but he's not very strong," another scout said. "He will need a lot of technique work. But, athletically, he's the best. His length won't be a problem. It's the thickness and body mass."
Michael Oher, T, Mississippi: 6-4½, 309. His troubled life story was chronicled in Michael Lewis' book, "The Blind Side, Evolution of a Game." "Athletically, he's as talented as there is," one scout said. "He's also spoiled. I don't know if he understands what it takes to be a professional." Played RG in 2005 and once weighed as much as 350. "He was a little bit more physical this year but I'm still scared to death of him," another scout said. "I wouldn't want him in the first (round)."
Brian Orakpo, DE-OLB, Texas: 6-3, 263. Two-year starter at DE. "He puts his hand down and rushes," one scout said. "Excellent motor." Knows how to play the run. Has had injury problems. "I think he's just a straight-line, one-trick pony," another scout said. "Just run straight off the ball. He doesn't have a natural feel for it. Small. Not a really good space athlete. I don't think it will go well for him (at LB)."
Rey Maualuga, ILB, Southern California: 6-1, 249. Three-year starter. "I might take him over Curry," one scout said. "To me, he's the real deal. I don't see him out of position. Very tough. He wouldn't be effective outside." Extremely physical but will over-pursue and miss some tackles. "Doesn't seem like he's disciplined and reading things," another scout said. "He's fast and powerful and explosive. If you can just rein him in a little bit he's got Pro Bowl ability."
Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech: 6-7, 259. Immensely talented. Tall, runs extremely well and can jump out of the gym. "He's boom or bust," one scout said. "He didn't play real well this year. He looks the part. Long arms. Somebody will take him high but not me. I will fight against that. He never started until this year."