NEW YORK -- Notable offensive players in the NFL draft, grouped by projected NFL positions. The draft is Saturday and Sunday.

The top three at each position are listed.

QUARTERBACK

Position Outlook: There's no golden boy for everyone to drool over this year, but lots of teams will be hoping to unearth their franchise cornerstone among some of the good, but not flawless, prospects.

*MATT RYAN, 6-foot-5, 224 pounds, Boston College: Has all the tools to succeed in the modern NFL. Is tall enough to see over defenses, quick to check down through receivers, and can avoid the rush and throw on the run. His one weakness is the deep ball. Calm under pressure. Showed toughness when dealing with left foot injuries in junior year, but had surgery in January 2007 and a successful senior year.

*Brian Brohm, 6-3, 227, Louisville: Sharp, quick to digest offenses. Makes all throws accurately, but lacks elite arm strength. Some injury and durability concerns.

*Chad Henne, 6-2, 225, Michigan: Four-year starter with good arm strength and vision. Not an improviser; accuracy degrades with any pressure.

RUNNING BACK

Position Outlook: After Darren McFadden, there's plenty of choice, including a player named Tashard Choice (Georgia Tech). McFadden's Arkansas teammate, Felix Jones, is a budding star in his own right, as could be Jonathan Stewart and Rashard Mendenhall.

* DARREN McFADDEN, 6-2, 210, junior, Arkansas: Has the speed and acceleration to make defenders look foolish, as well as the strength to defeat tacklers and make a strong second effort. Good vision and can run between the tackles or outside them. Excellent skills receiving -- and throwing --the ball. Has developed a nice cut move for blitz pickups, but will need to improve stand-up blocks. Possible contributor on special teams, though ball-security was an issue there in college.

*Rashard Mendenhall, 5-11, 210, junior, Illinois: A load who relies on superb vision more than quick cutting or outright speed. Downhill, one-cut style runner, but not totally a runaway truck type.

*Jonathan Stewart, 5-11, 235, Oregon: Compact, agile bowling ball of a back who doesn't fear contact and doesn't get brought down easily. Decent speed, but not going to blow people away. Struggled with nagging injuries.

WIDE RECEIVER

Position outlook: Judging future booms and busts at this position is difficult, but there's no doubting the depth at this position. With the pass so in vogue in the NFL these days, look for several wideouts to come off the board in the mid-to-late first round.

*EARLY DOUCET, 6-0, 212, LSU: Long strider with excellent hands and the vision to adjust to the ball in flight. Can come down with the jump ball and stay focused in traffic. Not the greatest deep threat, and occasionally rounds off his cuts. Strong, and hard to bring down. Can be an aggressive blocker. Missed half of senior season due to injuries.

*Devin Thomas, 6-2, 215, junior, Michigan State: Major threat after the catch due to superior speed and strength. Needs to improve deep-ball skills and coverage reading.

*Malcolm Kelly, 6-4, 218, junior, Oklahoma: Weak workouts, followed by his complaining about conditions, dropped his value. Can change direction quickly, but more a long strider than actually fast. Great hands. Excellent, aggressive blocker.

TIGHT END

Position outlook: This position lacks the game-changers of drafts past, but teams with specific holes to fill might find their man here.

*MARTELLUS BENNETT, 6-6, 259, junior, Texas A&M: Played basketball for the Aggies as well, and has the athletic ability to be a nice red-zone target. Lack of speed means he's not a deep threat, but once he improves his routes, his strength and size should make him an asset. Needs to improve zone recognition, too. Good, aggressive blocker.

*Fred Davis, 6-4, 248, Southern Cal: Has the burst off the line and eye for defenses to consistently get open, and especially long arms help him snare off-target passes. A strong prospect to develop into a weapon in the passing game.

*Dustin Keller, 6-3, 242, Purdue: Can develop into a productive receiver with more reps. Hands, speed and athletic ability are there. Some durability concerns.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Position Outlook: A deep and talented tackle class features two blue-chippers in Jake Long and Ryan Clady, and a couple more players just a small step below them. Guards and centers, especially centers, are going to be harder to find.

* JAKE LONG, 6-7, 315, Michigan: Bulldozer of a tackle in the run game who can also be a solid insurance policy for any franchise QB. Has the strength to move the pile and aggressiveness and smarts to clear out second-level blockers. Lacks the nimbleness of the truly great LTs, as he'll occasionally get beat by quick edge rushers or a strong second move. Could be the first overall pick.

*Ryan Clady, 6-6, 316, junior, Boise State: This tackle's strengths are mostly the opposite of Long's. Clady is quick and nimble, but not a great drive blocker. Long arms, intelligence also pluses.

*Jeff Otah, 6-6, 340, Pittsburgh: Bulk and lack of athleticism point to his future as a right tackle for a run-heavy team. Raw, but has the tools (including nearly 3-foot long arms) to become a nice choice.