Following Wednesday night’s game against Boston College, Vanderbilt junior cornerback D.J. Moore announced that he would be playing in the NFL next season. Assuming he stays true to his word, Moore now becomes the No. 2 rated cornerback on my board, behind Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins, but ahead of Illinois’ Vontae Davis. As shown in my current mock draft, expect to see Moore be taken in the middle of the first round in 2009. My rankings have been adjusted to show the change.

Here are the players to watch for in today’s slate of games:

Air Force vs. Houston

DE Phillip Hunt – A pass rusher with good quickness, Hunt has played defensive end in college, however his best fit at the next level may come as an outside linebacker. He currently grades out as a mid-late round selection.

Oregon State vs. Pittsburgh

OT Andy Levitre – The Beavers’ left tackle, Levitre has great experience and versatility, having started each of the last three seasons. He has played both left and right tackle, but projects best at guard for the next level.

CB Keenan Lewis – Lewis is a player whose stock is on the rise this season. He’s a four-year starter who could go as high as the second or third round this year.

WR Sammie Stroughter – After missing the majority of the 2007 season due to injuries and personal issues, Stroughter has had a great comeback season in 2008. He’s proven that he can be a big-play threat and should go in the mid-rounds in April.

S Al Afalava – Afalava’s best fit at the next level will come as a strong safety, or with a team that runs a zone coverage system. He’s a hard hitter who plays well against the run.

CB Brandon Hughes – Hughes is a solid prospect for the next level at the cornerback position. With good size, he currently grades out as a mid-round pick.

RB LeSean McCoy – While he has stated that he plans on returning to school, you should still keep an eye on this guy. One of the top running backs in the country, McCoy has all of the tools needed to be a future first round pick.

LB Scott McKillop – A tackling machine, McKillop is a smart, instinctive linebacker. He’s not going to put up amazing numbers at the Combine, but he’s a reliable player who could definitely help a team at the next level.

Kansas vs. Minnesota

WR Eric Decker – While he’s not expected to enter the draft, you should still keep an eye on this junior receiver. Decker has the playmaking ability that scouts love to see, and he’s also a smart, instinctive player. He has very reliable hands and could go on the first day in 2010. This is assuming he opts to play in the NFL; Decker is also a very good baseball player and could decide to play in the MLB, similar to former Notre Dame wide receiver Jeff Samardzija.

DE Willie VanDeSteeg – Despite having a down year in 2007, VanDeSteeg has really bounced back in 2008. With 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss this year, he’s quietly been a very productive player for the Gophers. He currently grades as mid-late round selection.

Boston College vs. Vanderbilt

LB Mark Herzlich – Herzlich, a junior, is expected to go back to school, however he’s one of the top linebacker prospects in the country for the 2010 draft. He’s smart, instinctive player who is a complete linebacker, being able to defend both the run and the pass. He could be a Top 10 pick in the 2010 draft.

DT B.J. Raji – One of the hottest prospects in the game right now, Raji’s stock has taken off this season. He came into the season with a grade of a second-or-third rounder, but could potentially end up going as high as the Top 10. He’s got terrific size and does a great job of stuffing the run. He also does a good job of penetrating the line of scrimmage and making plays behind the line.

DT Ron Brace – Brace has played a bit this season in the shadow of Raji, despite playing right next to him. However, this doesn’t mean that Brace isn’t a great prospect in his own right. Brace has a great first step and has a very good bullrush. He grades out as a mid-round selection in this year’s draft.

TE Ryan Purvis – Purvis is a complete tight end who does everything good, but not great. He has good size and speed, and he blocks well in the passing game. Purvis grades out as a mid-late round selection.

LB Robert Francois – Francois has been an under-the-radar prospect this year. He’s quietly had a nice season and could be a late-round selection this year. He has great athleticism with good size and should get a chance to play at the next level.

CB D.J. Moore – In a statement that I would agree with, Moore has been claimed as being one of the most underrated players in the country. He’s a complete cornerback who also has outstanding kick return ability. In addition, Moore has also played wide receiver on offense at times for Vanderbilt. I personally feel that Moore will be the second rated cornerback in the draft if he opts to declare.

Georgia Tech vs. LSU

DE Michael Johnson – Johnson came into the season with a grade of being a Top 5 pick. However, in his first season as a starter, he’s disappointed. Johnson has played inconsistently, and some scouts are beginning to question his motor. He’s going to be a mid-first round pick in 2009, however it’s going to be a risk for whoever takes him.

DT Vance Walker – In my opinion, Walker has been one of the more underrated tackle prospects this year. He has good size with the quickness needed to play in the three-technique at the next level. He currently grades as mid-round selection.

DT Darryl Richard – A three-year starter, Richard has great explosiveness along with a high motor. He has the size needed to play at the next level and should be a mid-late round pick in 2009.

OT Andrew Gardner – A mid-late round selection in 2009, Gardner is a reliable player with great experience. He plays hard and you can count on him to get the job done. He’ll add depth at the next level for the team that drafts him.

CB Jahi Word-Daniels – Daniels missed five games this year due to a hamstring injury, however he’ll be back for today’s game against LSU. He has good size, plays physically, and grades out as another mid-late round selection.

OG Herman Johnson – One of the biggest prospects in all of college football, Johnson has outstanding size with great strength. He physically overpowers his opponent and is very effective both in run and pass blocking. He’ll be a Top 40 pick in this year’s draft.

DE Tyson Jackson – Jackson, in my opinion, could be one of the safer picks in the 2009 draft. He has versatility and plays the game strong. He’s a complete defensive end who plays the run well and is also a very good pass rusher. Jackson could be a starting defensive end at the next level in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. He’ll be a first round pick in April.

LB Darry Beckwith – A very good run defender who shows the ability and skills needed to play in coverage, Beckwith offers some starting potential for the team that drafts him. I’m personally not as high on him as the other scouts are, but I still think that he is a good prospect. He should go in the second round.

WR Brandon LaFell – A big play receiver, and only a junior, LaFell could opt to declare for this year’s draft. He’s being compared to former Tigers’ receiver Dwayne Bowe. LaFell tends to drop a pass or two which is something that I think he needs work on. He could be a Top 50 selection if he decides to declare.

OT Ciron Black – Another outstanding junior prospect for LSU, Black displays the tools needed to start at the next level. He’s a year or two a way from that, and still needs to be developed into a more polished player, however he’s still a very good prospect. He could go in the first round in 2010.

- Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew will be playing in the Senior Bowl.

- Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson and defensive tackle Vance Walker will play in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels will play in the East-West Shrine Game in Houston.

- Virginia Tech safety Kam Chancellor said he’ll only be interested in leaving Tech early if he’s projected to be a first- or second-round pick.

- Players to watch for in today’s games:

Nevada vs. Maryland

LB Josh Mauga – A very good defender in the run-game, Mauga has the experience and versatility needed to make it at the next level. Having been a key defensive player for Nevada since his freshman year, Mauga has the experience that you love to see in a player.

WR Marko Mitchell – A mid-late round prospect at the receiver position, Mitchell has a natural ability to catch the ball.

WR Darrius Heyward-Bey – One of the top receiver prospects in the nation, Heyward-Bey appears to be headed for the NFL after this season. Heyward-Bey is one of the most explosive athletes in the nation and has the speed and quickness needed to be a starter at the next level. If he declares for the draft, he should go in the first round.

CB Kevin Barnes – Barnes was one of the top cornerbacks in the nation at the beginning of the season. However, a shoulder injury ended his year just seven games into the season. His draft stock has dropped a bit, however his medical condition at the Combine should be key for where he ends up going in April.

Oregon vs. Oklahoma State

C Max Unger – Arguably the most versatile offensive lineman in college football, Unger has all of the tools needed to start at the next level. He has experience as a starting tackle and center, meaning he could very easily be able to play at least four of the five offensive line positions at the next level. Teams are going to love his versatility, which is why he should go in the second round at the latest.

RB Jeremiah Johnson – Johnson is a player who has come on strong towards the end of the season. His fantastic performance against Oregon State really raised his draft stock and you could say it was his “coming out party” for this year’s draft. He should be one of the first three or four senior running backs taken in this year’s draft.

OT Fenuki Tupou – I really like this guy as an under-the-radar prospect. Tupou is by far one of the most underrated linemen in this year’s draft. He has the quickness and athleticism needed to play left tackle, however his outstanding size (6-5, 330 lbs) suggests that he could also play on the right side. He should be off the board in the second or third round.

S Patrick Chung – Chung will fit in at the next level as a pure strong safety. He is an instinctive player who does a great job in the run game. He could probably still use some work in coverage once he reaches the next level. The second or third round is his best bet at this point.

RB LaGarrette Blount – Blount is a fascinating prospect. He has the size of a power running back (6-2, 235 lbs), however he also has the speed to take the ball to the outside and outrun the opponents. Only a junior, keep an eye on this guy, especially next season.

TE Ed Dickson – Dickson is an athletic tight end with the natural ability to catch the ball. A junior, Dickson rates as one of the top tight end prospects entering the 2009 season.

TE Brandon Pettigrew – One of the top tight end prospects in the past few years, Pettigrew is a complete player at the tight end position. He has great receiving skills as well as the ability to block in the run game. His size and speed combination is excellent as well. He could be off the board within the Top 15 picks.

OT Russell Okung – A fantastic prospect at left tackle, the junior for the Cowboys has the potential to be a franchise offensive tackle for the team that eventually drafts him. He’s considering leaving for the NFL, and if he does, he should go in the mid-late first round.

Rice vs. Western Michigan

WR Jarrett Dillard – One of the most prolific receivers in college football history, Dillard will finally get a chance to take his game to the next level. With the most touchdown receptions in NCAA history (59), he has the production that will force scouts to keep an eye on him. He also owns four other NCAA records. Dillard is a nice prospect in the middle rounds.

S Louis Delmas – One of the hottest prospects in the nation right now, Delmas’ draft stock is currently on fire. At this point he’s looking like a second or third round pick, however, as we’ve seen in the past couple of years, offseason workouts can raise your draft stock even higher. He has the experience and versatility that teams love to see in a player.

WR Jamarko Simmons – Simmons is a great possession receiver whose size (6-2, 230 lbs) really helps his cause. He’s a mid-round prospect who some teams even think could play tight end at the next level.

Auburn junior defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks has declared for the 2009 NFL Draft. In a somewhat expected move, Marks now becomes arguably the top defensive end in the draft. In my rankings, Marks will be second behind Boston College’s B.J. Raji. My rankings have been updated to show the change.

“I can play both defensive tackle and defensive end,” Marks said. “I want to be a player like Albert Haynesworth in the NFL. I know it’s going to take hard work and dedication, but I’m going to bring my hard hat every day. I know that now, it’s not just a game. It’s a job. And I’m ready for that.”

Marks is currently a fringe first-second round pick. Teams like Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Indianapolis should be happy to hear this news.

According to ESPN.com, the reason that Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith has been suspended was for “improper dealings with an agent“:

“Sources told ESPN.com that Smith’s suspension was related to improper dealings with an agent. Saban’s statement on the matter said only that it was due to violation of team rules and policies.”

If it is true that Smith had “improper dealings” with an agent, then I can almost guarantee that Smith will enter the draft. What I’m assuming is that Smith was talking to an agent before the team’s game and before actually declaring for the draft, which is against NCAA regulations. Because of this, Saban then suspended Smith for the game. Based on the article linked above, it sounds like Smith is going to the NFL.

I just talked to my lead source. Here’s what he had to say about what could happen this offseason.

- There is a 90% chance that Iowa running back Shonn Greene will leave for the draft.

- My source said that Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno is 100% set on leaving for the draft.

- Don’t be surprised if Michael Crabtree is the 1st player taken in this year’s draft, or close to 1st overall. The drop from Crabtree to the next highest wide receiver (Jeremy Maclin) is huge. Because of this, team’s that need a wide receiver will be willing to give up a lot to move up and get him.

- Pittsburgh’s potential plan for the upcoming draft = OL, OL, RB. The team isn’t as high on Willie Parker as some may think.

- Detroit doesn’t know yet who they want No. 1 overall. If they don’t think that there is a legit 1st pick, then they will move down. They realize that they have loads of holes and would like to move down. They are going to evaluate the top players and then decide on if anyone is worth the top pick.

- Jacksonville is looking to get Crabtree. It’s hard to get free agents to Jacksonville, so they are looking to land a big player, which is what Crabtree is. They also need a receiver badly.

- Don’t be surprised if you see a lot of high-priced veterans be cut and hit the market, ex. Torry Holt, Willis McGahee, Jamal Lewis, Marc Bulger, Orlando Pace.

Alabama junior offensive tackle Andre Smith has been suspended for the Sugar Bowl for reportedly violating team rules. It’s unknown as what rule Smith reportedly violated. This could make his decision to leave for the NFL Draft an easy one. This could end up hurting Smith’s draft stock, depending on what rule he violated. Stay tuned for more information.

Five LSU players (Linebacker Darry Beckwith, wide receiver Demetrius Byrd, offensive lineman Herman Johnson, defensive end Tyson Jackson and fullback Quinn Johnson) will be attending the Senior Bowl, as well as these four players: Ohio State’s Marcus Freeman, Cincinnati’s Mike Mikens, Notre Dame’s David Bruton, and Michigan State’s Javon Ringer.

- Players to watch for in today’s games:

N.C. State vs. Rutgers

RB Andre Brown – N.C. State’s leading rusher three out of the past four seasons, Brown is expcted to be one of the first three or four senior running backs taken in this year’s draft. He has good size and does a nice job of carrying the ball between the tackles. He could go as high as the third round.

WR Kenny Britt – One of the top junior receivers in the nation, Britt would be a fringe first-second round pick if he were to opt to enter the draft. I really think that he has the frame of a pro receiver. He has all of the tools needed to be starting wideout in the NFL.

S Courtney Greene – Greene came into the season as one of the top safety prospects in the nation. However, after a disappointing 2008 campaign, he’s seen his draft stock drop. He is an aggressive player with the tools and measurables needed to play at the next level.

WR Tiquan Underwood – A smaller, faster receiver, Underwood projects as a mid-late round pick in this year’s draft. His quickness and reliable hands are his greatest strengths.

Northwestern vs. Missouri

DE Corey Wootton – At 6-7, 275 lbs, Wootton, in my opinion, is a very similar player to Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor. Only a junior, Wootton would have a good chance of going in the first round if he were to declare for the draft.

RB Tyrell Sutton – The primary ball-carrier for Northwestern the past few years, Sutton’s versatility and ability to return kicks is what will get him looked at in the later rounds of this year’s draft.

DT John Gill – A four-year starter for the Wildcats, Gill is a one-gap defensive tackle who does a great job of stuffing the run. He should be taken in the mid-late rounds. Scouts will like Gill because of his non-stop motor.

WR Jeremy Maclin – A threat to take the ball the distance every time he touches it, Maclin is one of the best receivers in the nation. Only a junior, he would almost surely be a first round pick if he were to declare. He’s also an outstanding returner, which is why team’s will really fall in love with him.

S William Moore – A complete safety who plays well against the run and in pass coverage, Moore is nearly a lock to be taken in the first round of the 2009 draft.

TE Chase Coffman – The winner of the 2008 Mackey Award, which is given to the nation’s top tight end, Coffman displays excellent hands and is a reliable target in the passing game. I’d expect to see him off the board in the second round.

DT Ziggy Hood – Evander “Ziggy” Hood, a four-year starter for Missouri, is a quick, explosive defensive tackle prospect for the Tigers. His best fit at the next level will come in the 4-3 defense.

DE Stryker Sulak -A 240 lb defensive end, Sulak could make the switch to linebacker at the next level. With 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss this season, he clearly is a playmaker who is able to get to the quarterback. I really like his non-stop motor.

QB Chase Daniel – Coming into the season, Daniel’s stock was about as high as it was going to get. However, as Missouri started to struggle, Daniel’s stock began to drop. He’s being labeled as a “system quarterback”, and could be a late-round selection in 2009.

Below is the finalized draft order for non-playoff teams. For the teams that are in the playoffs, their pick could still change. I plan on updating my mock draft soon.

1. Detroit

2. St. Louis

3. Kansas City

4. Seattle

5. Cleveland

6. Cincinnati

7. Oakland

8. Jacksonville

9. Green Bay

10. San Francisco

11. Buffalo

12. Denver

13. Washington

14. New Orleans

15. Houston

16. San Diego

17. New York Jets

18. Chicago

19. Tampa Bay

20. Detroit (from Dallas)

21. Arizona

22. Philadelphia

23. Minnesota

24. New England

25. Atlanta

26. Miami

27. Baltimore

28. Philadelphia (from Carolina)

29. Indianapolis

30. Pittsburgh

31. New York Giants

32. Tennessee

The first three picks in the 2009 NFL Draft will be as follows: Detroit Lions, St. Louis Rams, and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Rams, who owned the No. 2 pick in the 2008 draft, will hold the same selection a year later. I’ll have the final draft order once all of the games are over.