Tackles lead all positions in 2008; Guards and centers lacking

I've been looking around to get an idea of where this draft class is strong and where it's weak (though I'm still trying to find out where it stacks up against previous classes). Anyway this article spells it out for you in the section labeled 2008 Draft Class Rankings. However the articles main purpose is to give you an idea of what this draft class brings to the table in terms of offensive lineman.

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Tackles lead all positions in 2008; Guards and centers lacking

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Scouts Inc.
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Updated: April 21, 2008
No position in this year's draft is deeper or more talented than offensive tackle. Four could come off the board by pick No. 15 with a total of five expected to go in the first round, and that's not counting G Branden Albert (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12197), who could play there in the NFL.

2008 Draft Class Rankings
Following is Scouts Inc.'s rankings of the overall draft class at each position.

1. Offensive tackle
2. Defensive end
3. Running back
4. Corner
5. Wide receiver
6. Guard
7. Quarterback
8. Outside linebacker
9. Defensive tackle
10. Tight end
11. Inside linebacker
12. Center
13. Safety

Jake Long (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12044) has already agreed to a deal with the Dolphins to be the No. 1 overall pick, and he is obviously the headliner at tackle. While Long lacks elite lateral mobility for a franchise left tackle he more than makes up for it with technique, tenacity and strength. Ryan Clady (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12138) is a 309-pounder who has the foot speed of a tight end and seemingly limitless potential. He

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Vital skill sets

Pass rush
Anticipates the snap, possesses an explosive first step. Is fluid and able to use double moves to keep opposing linemen off balance. Shows great closing burst to the quarterback once he has turned the corner as a perimeter speed rusher. Is able to win with both speed and power. Has a wide array of pass rush moves. Shows enough strength to collapse the pocket with bull rush.
Best defensive end: Vernon Gholston, Ohio State
Best defensive tackle: Dre Moore (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=12018), Maryland

Run-stopper
Depending on scheme and situation must be able to take on blocks to protect linebackers. Makes plays in pursuit. Plays with leverage, shows discipline and knows how to use hands to tie blockers up. Sniffs out the run quickly and is able to shed blockers. Pursues hard and takes good angles. Plays with a great motor. Is a powerful and reliable open-field tackler.
Best defensive end: Phillip Merling, Clemson
Best defensive tackle: Glenn Dorsey, LSU

Vital skill sets
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Instincs/confidence
Rarely peeks in the backfield on play-action. Senses when the ball is up in the air. Knows receivers' tendencies and how to attack them. Always in position when it counts. Confidence and "selective amnesia" are also important qualities.
Best in cornerback class: Brandon Flowers, Virginia Tech
Best in safety class: Jamie Silva (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11591), Boston College

Closing burst
Quickness and speed are premiums at the CB position. Upper echelon DB's typically run the short-shuttle in 4.20 seconds or faster, the three-cone drill in 7.1 seconds or faster and the 40-yard dash in 4.49 seconds or faster.
Best in cornerback class: Tyvon Branch (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2008&id=11484), Connecticut
Best in safety class: Josh Barrett (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=11549), Arizona State