Ten Fastest Rising Prospects

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Apr 26, 2007

Ten Fastest Rising Prospects

Adam Carriker, DE

With so much attention being paid attention to character issues, the mature and likable Carriker would be a great addition to any team. The defensive end has gone from a late first-rounder to possibly a top-12 pick.

Steve Smith, WR

After running a 4.4 40 at the combine, Smith has shot ahead of teammate Dwayne Jarrett. Smith, formerly thought of as a second-rounder, could sneak into the latter part of the first round.

Amobi Okoye, DT

Okoye first started to draw attention because he's only 19. But as teams have looked into him even more, they've loved what they've seen on film. Former sure-fire top-10 pick Alan Branch has fallen, leaving Okoye as the top-rated defensive tackle on the board.

Joe Staley, OT

After a very strong performance at the combine, Staley has been rising steadily on draft boards. Once a little-known small-college guy, Staley is now considered the third best offensive tackle in the draft.

Darrell Revis, CB

Revis moved from a late first rounder or second rounder to a likely top-15 pick by running a 4.38 40 at the combine. Scouts seem to be split on the top cornerback in the draft, Revis or Michigan's Leon Hall.

Anthony Gonzalez, WR

Once thought to be just an understudy to Ted Ginn Jr. at Ohio State, Gonzalez is a hot name in draft circles. Teams love Gonzalez's intelligence and character; he could sneak into the first round.

Patrick Willis, LB

All of a sudden teams are coming out of the woodwork to trade up or down to try to get Willis. Several teams have expressed interest in the explosive inside linebacker, citing his intelligence and football instincts. He was slated to go somewhere in the late teens or early 20s, but now could go between eight and 11.

Trent Edwards, QB

There were lots of questions about Edwards coming into the offseason, but teams appear to be excited about the big Stanford quarterback. Teams were concerned about his lack of durability, but now think he fits well into a pro system. He should be picked with one of the first few picks of the second round.

John Beck, QB

Beck has done very well at the combine and in private workouts and has risen to a high second-round prospect. Beck, who had huge numbers at BYU, went on a Mormon mission and will be 26 when he enters the NFL.

Eric Wright, CB

Wright's stock originally fell because of character questions, but he may be on the rise. While at USC, Wright was arrested in 2005 on suspicion of rape (the charges were later dropped). After his 4.36 40 at the combine and several team interviews, Wright is now being discussed as one of the most intriguing talents in the draft.