McFadden: One to watch

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Think you know the pros? Well, there's a new batch of rookies that will be playing in the NFL in 2008. Alex Ferguson gives you an insight into who to watch out for...

Darren McFadden (Oakland Raiders)

Darren McFadden's career at Arkansas was one of the best three years in Razorbacks history. McFadden rushed for nearly 4,600 yards and 46 touchdowns. He also passed for a few and caught a few others. In the pre-season he has run for 182 yards on 34 carries for an average of 5.4 yards per game. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Felix Jones (Dallas Cowboys)

A partner of McFadden in Arkansas' all-power backfield, Jones' speed was brilliant through his three seasons in Razorback country. He'll prove an admirable back-up to Marion Barber in Cowboys country - but expect to him ram up the touchdowns from around 20 yards out. He's THAT quick.

Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons)

Hard work being the anointed as the follow-up to Michael Vick, albeit without the ground speed? Well, Matt Ryan, the hopes of Atlanta falls on you. It's not going to be an easy baptism of fire for Ryan - but by the end of the season, my bet is that Falcons fans will be more happy they had him than they didn't.

Keith Rivers (Cincinnati Bengals)

Lots of people talk about Cincinnati's offense, with Carson Palmer's bullet arm and Chad Johnson's receiving skills. But Keith Rivers was a standout linebacker at USC - and expect great things from this man as he helps to improve the Bengals' defence.

Rashard Mendenhall (Pittsburgh Steelers)

He had a storming 2008, helping the Illinois Illini to their first Rose Bowl in what seems like years. Mendenhall's smaller than most running backs and very hard to stop - and he's already put up 222 yards for the Steelers in the preseason. If he stays healthy, then Steelers fans are going to be excited about the running back combination of Mendenhall and 'fast' Willie Parker.

James Hardy (Buffalo Bills)

James Hardy was a big reason why the Indiana Hoosiers were one of college football's most improved players. Hardy - who had over 2,500 yards, 175 receptions and 35 TDs in a storied career, is 6ft 6 and was almost impossible to stop while playing in college football. Don't be too surprised if he's jumping all over cornerbacks and safeties in the NFL. And weighing in at over 200 pounds, he'll be pretty difficult to stop, too. He'll be an exceptional third down receiver - and don't be too surprised if he's battling it out for the NFL's rookie of the year.

Glenn Dorsey (Kansas City Chiefs)

While this writer's not to sure about Miami and St Louis' picks atop the 2008 NFL Draft board, he is sure of one thing: Glenn Dorsey makes the Kansas City Chiefs better. A probable No.1 pick had it not been for a horrible block in LSU's game against Auburn last year, Dorsey is a monster of a man, coming in at just under 320 pounds and an exhibition of frightening power. He's had four tackles in four solo games so far this pre-season, but I'm expecting many, many more.

Dan Connor (Carolina Panthers)

An award winner when he was at Penn State, Connor's probably one of the best linebackers coming out of this year's draft. Carolina got a steal when they drafted Connor in the third round - and he had 19 tackles in the pre-season - of which 16 of them were solo ones. If he carries on like this, he'll be a pain in the neck for NFL offensive linesmen.

Jonathan Stewart (Carolina Panthers)

Stewart has already shown Panthers' fans his speed, running for a 50 yard touchdown in the pre-season in a 100-yard game during a 47-3 blowout of Washington. Don't be surprised if this speed demon - if he stays healthy - gets to over 1,000 by the end of the year.

Vernon Gholston (New York Jets)

Armed with sensational speed, this defensive end out of two-time Big Ten Champion and National Championship runner-up Ohio State, Gholston could be the defensive dream ticket the Jets are looking for. He had 13 tackles in the preseason - including three against the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants - watch out for more in the future.