The Best of the Rest in the 2009 NFL Draft

Here's the Better-Than team for 2009:


Tom Brandstater, QB, Fresno State: He played for four different coordinators at Fresno, which can be tough on a quarterback. He has good size at 6-5, 220 pounds and he has a good arm. He's a pure pocket passer. Worth a late-round look.

Kory Sheets, RB, Purdue: He is 5-11, 200 pounds and has decent speed. The advantage is he played in a pro-style offense at Purdue and understands the passing game. He plays faster than his 40 time.

Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State: Think Keenan McCardell, the former NFL receiver. That's Robiskie. He's smart, knows how to get open and loves the game. His father played in the league and now is now a coach for the Atlanta Falcons, so you know he has a good pedigree.

Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma: He isn't a burner, but he knows how to get open. He will make a heck of a slot receiver. He knows how to run routes. He will also be a good return man.

Mike Thomas, WR, Arizona: He's small at 5-9 and 190 pounds but has speed and knows how to get open. He's another ideal slot receiver for a team that needs help there right away.

James Casey, TE, Rice: Whenever I watched this former minor league baseball player I was so impressed. He played offense and defense at Rice. The scouts wonder if he's tough enough to play tight end. I say he can. If not, you create ways to get him involved in the offense. Think Bo Scaife of the Titans.

Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida: He suffered a serious knee injury last season and missed the entire season, but he has amazing athletic ability. He isn't a pure tight end, but he will be dynamic in the passing game. He does have to work on his blocking.

Phil Loadholt, T, Oklahoma: His stock has risen in recent weeks. I think he's a 10-year starter and sometimes Pro Bowl player. He did have trouble with Brian Orakpo in the Texas game, but that happens. He's a left tackle, but he might be better suited to the right side.

Lawrence Sidbury, DE, Richmond: He was a 4-3 end at Richmond, but can also play 3-4 outside linebacker. Some have compared him to Dwight Freeney, but he's not that fast. He can get after the quarterback and he's a willing run player. Once competed in the 100-meter dash, which says a lot about his speed.

Fili Moala, DT, Southern Cal: A year ago, he was considered a possible first-round pick. Now there's no way. Why? He was inconsistent last season. But I still think that first-round ability is there. It will come out on the next level.

Bear Pascoe, TE, Fresno State: He's a former quarterback who developed into a heck of a blocking tight end. He isn't a real pass-catching threat down the field, but he can be effective short.

Sammie Stroughter, WR, Oregon State: He has had some problems in his career, causing him to miss time, but he's a nice receiver and a good return man. He might be worth a look late.

Tony Carter, CB, Florida State: He's 5-9, 175 pounds and looks every bit of playing that small. But he's smart and he has been an effective cover corner. He's an ideal nickel corner. He didn't get invited to the combine but he will play in the league.

Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn: He played both defensive end and tackle at Auburn, but I think he plays tackle in the NFL. He is smallish for a tackle, but he is quick and strong. He reminds me a little of Warren Sapp.

Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan: He's a squatty nose tackle who started for three years at Michigan. That means something. He's only a little over 6-feet, which will drive down his draft stock, but he will find a way onto a roster and contribute as a capable backup for some team.

Frantz Joseph, ILB, FAU: He's a Boston College transfer who plays with a fiery temperament. He really excels in the run game. He might only be a two-down linebacker, but he's worth a look on the second day.

Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia: He led all linebackers in sacks with 13 in 2008. He played outside in Virginia's 3-4 scheme, so there is no adjustment for him on the next level. At 6-2, 260 pounds, he has a thick frame and good quickness. He will be drafted higher than many expect.

Marcus Freeman, OLB, Ohio State: When you watched Ohio State play the past couple of seasons, this kid always showed up on a star-studded defense. He is just under 6-1, which will hurt, but he has good speed and a knack for finding the football. He will be a solid starter on the next level.

Sean Smith, CB, Utah: At 6-3, 210 pounds, he ran 4.45 for the scouts. Some insist he isn't fluid enough to play corner on the next level. I don't buy it. When I watched him at Utah, he looked more like a corner than a safety. He's new to the position, so his best football is in front of him.