A look at the NFL's future stars -- SIOC style

Who will be the Tom Brady of this year's draft? Peter Read Miller/SI

As the NFL draft approaches, you're likely to hear a number of experts pontificating on each team's needs and who the best choices are to fill those needs. At SIOC, we look at the draft a little differently. We like to look at this year's crop of future NFL stars and predict which NFL veteran they'll likely emulate. So without further ado, here are SIOC's NFL draft awards.

Mike Mamula Award

(Biggest potential bust in spite of incredible combine/workouts.)

Branden Albert. The Virginia Cavalier lineman is shooting up into the top 10 (possibly top 5) as of late.

Ryan Leaf Award

(Biggest first-round headcase)

Darren McFadden

Tom Brady Award

(Most likely to be recognized for his game off the field)

John David Booty

Randy Moss Award

(Biggest character questions)

Darren McFadden. Multiple fights, arrests, and children and the guy's still a teenager.

Lawrence Phillips/Maurice Clarett Lifetime Achievement

(Self-explanatory)

Darren McFadden. Sure, he may go first in the Draft, but he's blowin' up our draft awards!!

The Jerry Rice Award

(Best player from a non-Division 1-A school)

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State. He's projected first-rounder, cousin of Antonio Cromartie.

The Irish Terry Conklin Award

Tom Zbikowski. He was also a heavyweight boxer who won first pro fight June 2006 at MSG

Triple Word Score Award

(Prospect with highest-scoring name in Scrabble)

Tom Zbikowski. Remember the name. You never know when someone may challenge you in a round of Scrabulous.

Brady Quinn Award

(Self-explanatory after last year's Draft)

Brian Brohm. When the 2007 college football season started, this guy was No. 1 on everyone's board. But we're guessing he's a second-rounder.

Ricky Williams Award

(Self-explanatory)

Aqib Talib. He admitted to testing positive three times for weed during his college days.

Reggie Bush Award

(Next to date a Kardashian)

Everyone has a fair chance

Matt Leinart Award

(Next to be seen with Nick Lachey)