NFL draft class of 2008 goes from unremarkable to remarkable

The top of the 2008 NFL draft was widely thought to be more Fatburgers than Roethlisbergers, more White Castles than Matt Cassels, more Fig Newtons than Cam Newtons.

A record seven offensive tackles were taken in the first round, compared to two quarterbacks, and — for the first time since 1990 — no receivers. The only remarkable thing about that collection of pro prospects was how completely unremarkable it looked at the time.

Two-and-a-half seasons later, several of those players — both of the skill-position and scale-position variety — are critical members of teams on track to make the playoffs. Heading into Week 13, the opening round of the 2008 class is looking better all the time.

“Young players are expected to play earlier than ever,” NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. “This might be a sneaky-type draft. It’s only year three for these kids, and they’re already big-time players.”

A glance at some of those standouts, including both first-round quarterbacks:

QB Matt Ryan, Atlanta — The Boston College passer wasn’t a slam-dunk pick when the Falcons made him their first selection. In fact, both Miami and St. Louis passed on him to take, in order, Michigan tackle Jake Long and Virginia defensive end Chris Long. Ryan has rounded into one of the game’s best young quarterbacks, and his team is 19-1 at home with him starting.

LB Jerod Mayo, New England — The Patriots raised some eyebrows by taking Mayo 10th, a lot earlier than many people expected him to go. Nobody would question that move now. He’s a defensive captain, their best tackler, and their second-best player on that side of the ball behind nose tackle Vince Wilfork. Mayo is more workmanlike than flashy, but he leads the league in tackles with 132 and is a big reason the Patriots are strong up the middle.

QB Joe Flacco, Baltimore — The Ravens, who were also eyeing Ryan, traded up to Houston’s spot at 18 to take Flacco, whose stock surged after the Senior Bowl. It was a wise move, as the former Delaware star directed them to the playoffs in his first two seasons and now is on a Pro Bowl pace with 18 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a career-best 93.2 rating.

CB Aqib Talib, Tampa Bay — Talib can be a hothead — he tore into a game official Sunday after a loss to Baltimore — but he’s also among the most talented young corners in the game. He’s tied for second in the league with six interceptions and consistently lines up against the opponent’s best receiver — a steal at the 20th pick. If his tackling continues to improve the way it has, he’ll soon be in Darrelle Revis’ league.

LT Sam Baker, Atlanta — Baker, who blocked for Matt Leinart at USC, was a beneficiary of a run on offensive tackles in the first round. Turns out, the Falcons were fortunate to get him at No. 21, as he’s rounded into a very reliable left tackle and a cornerstone in that offense. The Falcons have the league’s eighth-ranked running game, and Ryan has been sacked 17 times, eighth-fewest among quarterbacks who have started all season.

RB Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh — Mendenhall, selected 23rd, is on track for his second consecutive 1,000-yard season and has already run for a career-high nine touchdowns. He has helped restore respectability to a Pittsburgh ground attack that had been sorely lacking in recent years. His 151-yard game at Buffalo on Sunday was the third time this season he has surpassed the century mark.

CB Antoine Cason, San Diego — Confidence in Cason, the 27th pick, is a big reason the Chargers felt comfortable trading Antonio Cromartie to the New York Jets. San Diego is ranked No. 1 in total defense and is atop the AFC against the pass. The Chargers certainly looked that good Sunday night at Indianapolis, and Cason was responsible for one of the four interceptions of Peyton Manning. New England’s Devin McCourty is the only AFC player with more interceptions (five) than Cason (four).

TE Dustin Keller, New York Jets — Keller, drafted 30th, has become one of Mark Sanchez’s favorite and most reliable targets. He has 39 catches for 528 yards and is second among Jets receivers with five touchdowns. Keller’s numbers have dipped a bit lately with the emergence of Santonio Holmes, but Sanchez still looks for him over the middle against Cover-2 schemes. They aim to become the next Peyton Manning-Dallas Clark combination.

S Kenny Phillips, New York Giants — Phillips, the final player selected in the first round of 2008, missed all but two games last season because of an arthritic knee. He has bounced back strong this season, however, and plays the role of deep center fielder, with fellow safeties Deon Grant and Antrel Rolle playing closer to the line of scrimmage. All are key components in a defense ranked No. 1 against the pass.