2010 NFL Draft Overrated and Sleeper Players

10 Under the Radar NFL Draft Prospects
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1. Ramon Harewood, OT, Morehouse College --
NFL personnel men love Harewood's massive 6-foot-7, 355-pound frame, and the native of Barbados is a physics and engineering major who wows scouts with his blend of intelligence and physicality. NFL types don't always make it to Morehouse's pro day, but almost 20 teams were represented this year, and they were all there to check out a prospect who projects to either the seventh round or priority free-agent.

2. David Nelson, WR, Florida --
He elevated his draft stock at the Gators pro day, running 4.57 in the 40, with a 38-inch vertical leap and a broad jump of 10 feet, four inches. Though Nelson got overshadowed at times among all of Florida's playmakers, scouts are enamored with his 6-5 height and ability to use his 217 pounds to block and give his quarterback a big target. "He's a tough kid and a competitive kid,'' one NFL scout told me. "He's got rare height and he catches the ball well. He runs good routes and he's just crafty. He'll make someone's team.''

3. Tim Hiller, QB, Western Michigan --
A four-year starter in college, Hiller didn't follow up his fantastic junior season with more of the same as a senior, and that has sent his stock plummeting since the fall. But he also wasn't playing with a lot of talent around him in 2009, and scouts do give him high marks for his size (6-4, 229), brains (4.0 GPA) and experience playing under center in a pro-style offense. Hiller was invited to and worked out at the combine, and played in the Texas versus the Nation all-star game.

4. David Howard, DT, Brown --
There's been a decent buzz surrounding this Ivy League star since he stood out at Brown's pro day, and scouts tell me NFL teams are starting to invite Howard for private visits, a sure-fire sign of draft interest. Howard has been a productive and steadily improving player throughout his college career, and he has good measurables at 6-3, 293 pounds. He ran well (5.03), had a quality 7.55 time in the three-cone drill, and displayed the kind of burst and athleticism that should make him a sixth- or seventh-round pick.

5. Andrew George, TE, Brigham Young --
He was the second tight end for the 11-2, nationally ranked Cougars last season, behind standout Dennis Pitta, an All-America pick who is projected to go in the third round. But George has sparked interest this spring as well, and some compare him favorably to former BYU and Philadelphia Eagles tight end Chad Lewis, who he has trained with this year. George is 6-4, 247 pounds, with good hands and athleticism, and scouts feel he'll grow into a decent blocker.

6. Danny Batten, DE-OLB, South Dakota State --
Batten has built momentum throughout the pre-draft scouting season, turning in a good week at the Texas versus the Nation all-star game in February and building on that with an impressive pro day workout for scouts last week. He projects to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, but at 6-3, 246, he has room to grow into a 4-3 edge-rushing defensive end role as well. The Bears are one defensive end-needy team that seems intrigued by Batten and his collegiate sack production.

7. Jameson Konz, TE, Kent State --
I've heard different assessments when it comes to Konz. Some feel he's the next in the line of unheralded Kent State prospects who succeed in the NFL (a'la Edelman), and others view him as a workout warrior whose measurables are better than his NFL potential. But Konz is intriguing, if only because he's a former outside linebacker who switched to receiver as a senior, having never played the position before. He projects to either an H-back or fullback role in the NFL, and the 6-3, 234-pound Konz has teams like the Saints and Raiders scheduling private workouts with him after he posted a 4.38 time in the 40, with a 46-inch vertical and a 10-foot, eight-inch broad jump on his pro day.

8. Reggie Stephens, G-C, Iowa State --
He played in the East-West Shrine Game, but didn't rate a combine invite despite being an All-Big 12 honorable mention pick as a senior. Stephens helped himself on the Cyclones' pro day, measuring in at 6-3, 314 pounds, with 31 bench press reps and a respectable 5.26 in the 40. His versatility and athleticism are pluses, and new Bears offensive line coach Mike Tice was reportedly at Iowa State's pro day just to assess Stephens's late-round viability.

9. Freddie Barnes, WR, Bowling Green --
Barnes is another prospect overlooked by those who determine the combine invite list, but he had a solid week at the East-West Shrine Game and was a proven collegiate performer, with a mind-boggling, NCAA-record setting 155 catches in 2009. But his issue is speed. He didn't run well at his pro day, posting times in the 4.6-4.7 range, and is more of a possession-type receiver than home run threat. "He hasn't run well, but he was so productive you can't ignore him,'' one scout said. "He's very instinctive, and even at the tail end of the draft, I can see him doing something in the league.''

10. Levi Brown, QB, Troy --
Higher profile quarterbacks like Fordham's John Skelton and Tennessee's Jonathan Crompton have been garnering attention with their workouts this spring, but both could climb into the draft's middle rounds, which is why they don't fit our Welker Watch List parameters. In Brown, you have a small-school prospect whom several NFL teams seem to like as either a seventh-round pick or priority free agent. He has already met with the Saints, Bills and Panthers, and is scheduled to visit Tennessee on Friday and the Chargers next week. "He would fit into an NFL training camp,'' one scout said. "I could see a team keeping him around next year as its third guy and then developing him.''




All overrated: Mays, Tebow, Gerhart, Rolle part of class
Pete Prisco www.cbssportsline.com
We're two weeks away from the NFL Draft and the hype is flowing faster than a rumor linked to Sandra Bullock's husband.
This player is the greatest leader. This one is a can't-miss kid. Another has all the numbers that make him a great prospect.
On and on it goes.
So in my usual raining-on-the-parade style, I thought it time to take a look at some of the players I think are getting too much hype, too much credit.
These are the players I think are the overrated bunch of this year's NFL Draft.
When two or three of them become Pro Bowl players, remind me of my stupidity in a couple of years.
I'm sure you will. No, I know you will.

Taylor Mays, S, USC

He looks the part. He is fast, big for a safety, strong and he hits.
But he isn't a great cover player.
Fifteen years ago, he would have been an ideal safety prospect. But with the way the game is played now, he isn't anymore. The bigger, run-support safeties are being replaced by the cover players with range.
Mays isn't as good in coverage as you would like. He doesn't react well enough when the ball is in the air.
Some team will over-draft him based on his numbers. But I think there's a chance he could be another Roy Williams, who flopped with the Dallas Cowboys when the game evolved and he couldn't cover well enough.

Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

I've banged this overrated drum as loud as anybody not named Todd McShay. What is there to like about his game?
Tim Tebow is dazzling coaches in interviews, leading some scouts -- who try to show coaches Tebow's flawed film -- frustrated with how quickly and high the former
Arm? So-so.
Feel in the pocket? Awful.
Reading coverage? Stunted.
So we're left with competitor and hard worker. Well, I'm both of those. Does that mean I can play quarterback in the NFL?
Don't you get tired of hearing how hard a worker he is and how it will make him a better player? That's an insult to a lot of other players in this draft. Don't they work hard, too?
Either you can play or you can't. The work will help make a good quarterback a great one. But it won't make this kid an NFL starter for the long run.
He's a fifth-round pick in my book, which is better than at least one NFL coach thinks. "Eighth or ninth round," the coach said.
That means he's not draft material.
I won't go that far, but what I saw on tape isn't pretty.

Bryan Bulaga, T, Iowa

I know he is likely go in the top-10, but when I watched Michigan outside linebacker Brandon Graham eat him alive, it was cause for concern.
"He ran over him, around him, beat him all day," one NFC personnel director said.
Bulaga was well coached at Iowa by Kirk Ferentz, a former NFL line coach. So he has the techniques down, but I think he's limited athletically.
He had real problems with Graham's quickness. There are a lot of Grahams in the NFL. Most teams have him pegged as a left tackle but he might be better suited on the right side.
Remember what happened to Robert Gallery when he was a hyped-up tackle coming out of Iowa?
He's now a guard for the Oakland Raiders.

Anthony Davis, T, Rutgers

He was out of shape early in 2009 and it showed -- he didn't play that well. Watch his opener against Cincinnati.
As the season moved on, and he was in better shape, his play improved. He is a big, strong kid, but his body looked soft at Rutgers.
You have to question the desire. Several scouts I've talked to say his laziness is something that turns them off in a big way. He didn't come across great in player interviews either, scouts said.
Some team will still take him in the first round, and if he decides to work at it, they might hit big. If not, he might be a major bust.

Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

He's a run-and-chase linebacker who scouts think will go in the first round.
But did he ever dominate a game? He's a good player who will be over-drafted based on his athletic ability.
He isn't a pass-rushing linebacker, which will drop his stock down some. He will be a starter in the NFL, but I'm not sure he will ever be a star, even though he'll likely be a first-round pick.

Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

Did you ever watch a Florida game and come away raving about Dunlap?
Didn't think so.
He has the tools, but he never was truly a dominant player at Florida. The scary thing is that there have been some dominant Florida ends who haven't lived up to the expectations on the next level, players like Jarvis Moss and Derrick Harvey.
What's that mean for Dunlap, who didn't even dominate at the college level? He is a specimen at nearly 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds and runs a 4.61 in the 40. Those are hard numbers to ignore, but where is the production?
You also have to wonder about a kid who gets a DUI the week of the team's biggest game, which he did. He had seven sacks in the regular season -- that's not good enough.

Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech

The concern with Dwyer is that he took most of his carries from the lead back in the triple-option offense. That makes him a tough evaluation.
That means the quarterback made the option read, either gave it to him or didn't based on the defense crashing down on him, making it easy for the back. There were few handoffs in a conventional style.
That has many wondering if Dwyer can make anybody miss. It's easy to rip of big runs when the hole is wide open based on the read.
Dwyer also had a disappointing combine workout, but did post decent times at his Georgia Tech Pro Day.
Even so, there are concerns about the way he was used at Tech and whether he can adjust.

Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama

He received a ton of attention at Alabama, but Kareem Jackson was the better corner.
Arenas was a nice college player, but he's short at just under 5-9 and he doesn't run all that well. He couldn't run at the combine because of a hamstring injury and didn't run at Alabama's Pro Day.
Most scouts think he's a 4.6 guy. Being small with that speed is a bad combination. He is a good return man, but I see him as a nickel corner at best on the next level.
Arenas is considered a third-round pick by some, but that's too high.

Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford

He's a tough kid who plays hard and put up some big numbers at Stanford.
But I don't see the elusiveness you need in a back on the next level. He isn't running over people either like he did for the Cardinal.
He is supposed to be a really good kid. And you get the feeling people are rooting for him to succeed. But I see him as more of a fullback than a feature back. You must make people miss on the big-boy level as a starting runner and I don't think he can do that on a consistent basis.

Myron Rolle, S, Florida State

How do you say this nicely: Myron, go become a neurosurgeon. Really.
That's his post-football plan, and based on watching him at Florida State, he should get to it.
He's a Rhodes Scholar who came to Florida State as a hyped-up, high-school All-American who never lived up to the hype.
After a year studying at Oxford, he's ready to give the NFL a chance. It's a great story, but it's too bad he isn't worth drafting until late, if at all.
He never made a lot of plays for the Seminoles, so why think he will in the NFL?
You have a great life in front of you, Myron. It just won't be on an NFL field.

Cleveland Browns
Mike Holmgren is the new man calling the shots in Cleveland.
His first big ones -- bringing in quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace and getting rid of Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson -- are questionable moves at best.
Delhomme will likely be the Week 1 starter. Did Holmgren fail to watch his Carolina tape last season? Delhomme was dreadful.
The Browns will likely grab a quarterback at some point in the draft, but it's
unlikely they will do so with the seventh overall pick. That means Browns fans better get used to Delhomme taking snaps behind center.
Make no mistake about it, Holmgren has a ton of work to improve this team. But none of his moves will matter if he doesn't fix the quarterback situation.

QB: If they really think Delhomme and Wallace are the long-term answers, they're nuts. Delhomme is done and Wallace hasn't done anything. Brett Ratliff is the No. 3 quarterback. The Browns need to address this position early in the draft. They need a franchise passer. One has to wonder this: Are they better off with Delhomme and Wallace than with Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson? It's close.

Need meter: Biggest need

RB: Jamal Lewis was let go, which means Jerome Harrison is the man. Harrison was sensational late last season, but can he continue that? It's one thing to do it as a backup, but another as the every-down back. I think he can. The Browns got Peyton Hillis in the Quinn trade to back Harrison up. Young player Chris Jennings flashed some last season, and I would expect he'd get some carries. James Davis is also in the mix. Lawrence Vickers is one of the best fullbacks in the NFL.

Need meter: Needs depth

WR: The Browns traded Braylon Edwards last season with the idea their young players would step up. They didn't. Brian Robiskie was a disappointment as a rookie. Mohamad Massaquoi played better, but he isn't a game-breaker. Josh Cribbs, the Browns' do-all player, also was a factor at receiver. Chansi Stuckey is also in the mix. They have issues here. But if Robiskie and Massaquoi take the next step, which young receivers do in their second seasons, this won't be as much of an issue.

Need meter: Needs starter

Five possibilities: Browns
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee: They need a rangy player in the back end and Berry can provide that.
Joe Haden, CB, Florida: Even with Brown on the roster, they could use a young cover player.
Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan: This is the perfect player for their 3-4 scheme. He would be a great edge rusher.
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida: They might take him if he's available in the second round.
Brandon Lang, OLB, Troy: He played end in college, but can move to rush linebacker.

TE: Kellen Winslow was shipped to Tampa Bay, leaving a major hole at tight end. That's why the Browns went out and signed Ben Watson as a free agent. He isn't in the same class with Winslow, but he is a capable starter. The backups are Robert Royal, a good blocker, and Evan Moore, a young player who showed well late last season as a receiver. There is no star here but it's good enough.

Need meter: Needs depth

OL: Left tackle Joe Thomas is one of the best in the NFL. He is a good pass blocker and does a nice job in the run game. Right tackle was a problem spot last season, but the Browns think they fixed it by signing Tony Pashos. He is a mauler in the run game who can struggle in pass protection. Pork Chop Womack and Eric Steinbach are the guards. They're more than capable. Center Alex Mack started as a rookie in 2009. He played well and should be even better. The top backup at tackle is John St. Clair with Scott Kooistra and Billy Yates the backups inside.

Need meter: Needs depth

DL: They use a three-man line and it's pretty good when Shaun Rogers is on the nose. He missed time with an injury last year and he now has some legal issues off the field. But when he's playing -- and motivated -- he's a heck of a player. Defensive ends Kenyon Coleman and Robaire Smith are perfect for this 3-4 scheme. Smith played especially well last season. The top backups at end are C.J. Mosley and Brian Schaefering and Ahtyba Rubin at nose tackle.

Need meter: Needs depth

LB: D'Qwell Jackson is the unit's best player, but he is coming off season-ending shoulder surgery. He will start inside next to Eric Barton, a solid player who will be pushed by Chris Gocong, who came over in a trade from the Eagles. The outside linebackers will be Scott Fujita, signed as a free agent from New Orleans, and Matt Roth, whom they picked up late last season. They are both good, physical players, but the speed factor isn't there. David Bowens, Marcus Bernard and Jason Trusnik are the top backups outside.

Need meter: Needs starter (ILB)

DB: The Browns like their cornerbacks now that they've acquired Sheldon Brown in a trade from the Eagles. He is an upgrade over Brandon McDonald, last year's starter. Eric Wright will be the starter on the other side. He is a capable man cover player who is just entering his prime. The top backups are McDonald, Gerard Lawson and Ramzee Robinson. They need help there. The safeties will be Abram Elam and Mike Adams. That's a decent duo, but they could use an upgrade. The top backups are Nick Sorensen is the top backup, but he's more of a special-teams player. Ray Ventrone is also in the mix.

Need meter: Needs starter (CB)

Underclassmen Declaring for the 2010 NFL Draft

Underclassmen Declared for the 2010 NFL Draft
Arrelious Benn Illinois WR 6-2 220 Jr.
Eric Berry Tennessee S 5-11 203 Jr.
Jahvid Best California RB 5-10 195 Jr.
Navarro Bowman Penn State LB 6-1 230 Jr.
Dezmon Briscoe Kansas WR 6-3 200 Jr.
Antonio Brown Central Michigan WR 5-10 179 Jr.
Dez Bryant Oklahoma State WR 6-2 215 Jr.
Bryan Bulaga Iowa OL 6-6 312 Jr.
Morgan Burnett Georgia Tech S 6-1 198 Jr.
Bruce Campbell Maryland OT 6-7 310 Jr.
Jimmy Clausen Notre Dame QB 6-3 223 Jr.
Rennie Curran Georgia LB 5-11 228 Jr.
Anthony Davis Rutgers OL 6-6 325 Jr.
Carlos Dunlap Florida DE 6-6 290 Jr.
Jonathan Dwyer Georgia Tech RB 6-0 228 Jr.
Dominique Franks Oklahoma CB 6-0 189 Jr.
Thaddeus Gibson Ohio State LB 6-2 240 Jr.
Joe Haden Florida CB 5-10 190 Jr.
Aaron Hernandez Florida TE 6-2 250 Jr.
Ryan Mathews Fresno State RB 5-11 215 Jr.
Gerald McCoy Oklahoma DT 6-4 295 Jr.
Joe McKnight Southern California RB 6-0 200 Jr.
Derrick Morgan Georgia Tech DE 6-4 270 Jr.
Maurkice Pouncey Florida OL 6-5 318 Jr.
Brian Price UCLA DT 6-2 300 Jr.
Jevan Snead Ole Miss QB 6-3 215 Jr.
Golden Tate Notre Dame WR 5-11 195 Jr.
Earl Thomas Texas S 5-10 195 Jr.
Donovan Warren Michigan CB 6-0 187 Jr.
Damian Williams Southern California WR 6-1 190 Jr.
Mike Williams Syracuse WR 6-2 204 Jr.
Jason Worilds Virginia Tech DE 6-2 240 Jr.




Description of Underclassmen declaring for 2010 Nfl Draft
Joe Haden, CB, Florida, 5-11, 190, 4.40, NFLDraftScout.com projection: top 10

Haden is expected to be the first cornerback selected. The consensus All-American and Thorpe Award finalist started every game over the past three seasons. Whether at the Combine or his campus pro day, he is expected to run a sub-4.4 40-yard dash and fare extremely well in all other athleticism tests. Eight interceptions and 34 passes defended consistently displayed Haden's excellent hand-eye coordination. And any scout anticipating Haden to be a contact-shy cover corner didn't need many tapes to see his aggressive run support and strength playing larger receivers.

Eric Berry, FS, Tennessee, 5-11, 203, 4.40, top 10

To no one's surprise, Berry decided to take his versatile game to the next level after the Vols' Chik-Fil-A Bowl loss to Virginia Tech. Named Freshman All-American in 2007 (five interceptions), he then earned consensus All-American honors in 2008 (seven interceptions) and 2009 (83 tackles, six for loss, two interceptions). The Volunteers asked him to play around the line of scrimmage more often this fall, often throwing his body into blocks to force plays inside instead of playing centerfielder. But NFL teams are quite sure his speed, physicality and play-making skills will be evident at the next level whether at cornerback or safety.

Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame, 6-3, 217, 4.74 40-yard dash, top 10

The NFL is a quarterback league, and Clausen has the requisite intelligence, arm strength and fiery leadership most teams like in their signal caller. Though Charlie Weis' reign in South Bend wasn't as successful as he'd hoped, the former Patriots offensive coordinator knows how to handle quarterbacks. Clausen isn't perfect -- no college quarterback is a finished product. But in a weak quarterback class, he's as good as it gets.

Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma, 6-4, 223, 4.72, top 10

Bradford was considered a sure-fire top-five pick entering the fall because of his poise and accuracy. During his sophomore season, scouts were clamoring that they hadn't charted a player so accurate in 10 to 15 years. But his lanky frame and lost 2009 season brings Bradford's durability into question. NFL scouts are also starting to wonder if his 2007-08 success was a product of a more or less pro offensive line taking on college defenders. Still, teams in the first half of the first round needing a quarterback won't pass on his talent, especially if his medical report checks out and he performs well at his personal workout before the draft.

Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma, 6-4, 298, 5.05, top 10

McCoy could have come out as a redshirt sophomore and been a first-round pick, but returning to the Sooners only increased his value. Few 300-pound players are as active throughout the game as McCoy, who could play the three-technique in a four-front man or end in a 3-4 scheme, where he often lines up in the Oklahoma defense. His athleticism and versatility give him top 10 value.

Carlos Dunlap , DE, Florida, 6-6, 278, 4.78, early-to-mid first round

Dunlap's size and speed make him a prototypical defensive end prospect, and those physical attributes could appeal to teams running either three or four-man fronts as their base alignments. The first-team All-SEC pick had nine sacks in 2009, including two against Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl blowout -- a solid follow-up to his sophomore season in which he posted 9.5 sacks en route to All-American and BCS Championship Game Defensive MVP honors. Dunlap's consistency on the field troubles teams even more than the arrest. Despite his physical gifts, his motor and willingness to chase plays downfield are not considered above-average. His tall frame and somewhat stiff hips also make him less sudden on the edge than scouts would like to see in an elite pass rusher.

Derrick Morgan , DE/OLB, Georgia Tech, 6-4, 272, 4.76, early-to-mid first round

His stock was on the rise because of an All-American junior season (55 tackles, 18.5 for loss, 12.5 sacks), but his lack of impact against NFL-caliber tackles in the Orange Bowl may have stopped that momentum. Still, Morgan is capable of pressuring the passer and his ability to play the run from either side of the line of scrimmage will make him a valued commodity in the first round. If agile in linebacker drills at the Combine, 3-4 teams may consider standing him up on the edge - making him even more coveted throughout the league.

Everson Griffen, DE/OLB, Southern Cal, 6-3, 280, 4.64, early-to-mid first round

Griffen has a rare combination of size and speed, which he uses to win battles on the edge and move swiftly in coverage. In a second-team All-Pac-10 junior season, he sacked opposing quarterbacks eight times, adding to the 10 sacks he had as a spot-starting pass-rush specialist in his first two years. Despite weighing 280 pounds, 3-4 teams may look at him as a pass-rush linebacker, making him one of the more valued defensive players in the draft. However, some scouts compare him to former New York Jets first-round pick Vernon Gholston -- a much better athlete than football player.

Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State, 6-2, 220, 4.58, early-to-mid first round

Bryant's suspension for lying to NCAA investigators shouldn't hurt his draft status too much, especially when teams needing a big-bodied receiver look at his film. He isn't expected to run a sub-4.5 40 at the Combine, but he ran away from many Big 12 corners and his body control and huge hands put him in a class by himself.

Rolando McClain , LB, Alabama, 6-4, 258, 4.68, mid-first round

McClain did just about everything you could at the collegiate level, winning a BCS championship, SEC crown and Butkus Award as the top linebacker in the country after being named first-team all-conference and All-American the past two years and Freshman All-American as a part-time starter in his first season in Tuscaloosa. He was credited with 104 tackles, 14.5 for loss, four sacks and two interceptions in 2009, all career highs. A bit tall and lean to play in the middle for most 4-3 teams, McClain's skill set makes him an ideal fit in the 3-4 playing inside or outside, and his football intelligence is coveted just as much as his athleticism.

Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame, 5-11, 195, 4.44, mid-first round

The departures of Clausen and Weis made Tate's decision easy. The All-American has ascended from a converted running back to putting up 1,496 receiving yards and 15 scores this season. As tough to bring down after the catch as any receiver in the country, his superior hands and speed reminds many scouts of Carolina Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith.

Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers, 6-6, 330, 5.28, mid-first round

Many project Davis as a top 10 to 12 pick because of his combination of size and athleticism. At times he looks like a dominant tackle, but many teams consider him an underachiever who lacks consistency and maturity. Still, his physical tools will make him far too tempting to drop out of the first round.

Damian Williams , WR, Southern Cal, 6-1, 195, 4.49, mid-to-late first round

Even before there were questions about who would be the head coach for USC next season, Williams was likely to enter the draft as an expected first-round pick because of his reliable hands and elusiveness after the catch. The first-team All-Pac-10 receiver (70-1,010-6) and punt returner (14.2-yard average, two touchdowns) has a wiry-strong frame and is very difficult to bring down in the open field. Williams has the versatility to make plays from the slot, running over the middle, or stretching the field vertically down the seam or sideline.

Bryan Bulaga , OL, Iowa, 6-6, 312, 4.96, mid-to-late first round

Bulaga's outstanding blocking in the Hawkeyes' Orange Bowl win, which helped keep Georgia Tech DE Derrick Morgan at bay, made it seem inevitable he would leave for the NFL. The 2009 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year has the athleticism and strength teams want on the quarterback's blind side, but his three-game absence during the season due to a thyroid problem will worry scouts. His medical checks will be thorough.

Jason Pierre-Paul , DE, South Florida, 6-6, 265, 4.72, mid-first/early second round

Pierre-Paul began his football career just five years ago after playing basketball his first two years of high school. His grades prevented him from attending USF initially, so he went out and dominated at two junior colleges (14 sacks at the College of the Canyons, 10.5 at Fort Scott CC), then earned first-team All-Big East honors in his only season in Tampa (14.5 TFL, five sacks). His freakish athleticism should earn him a spot in the top 40 despite his very raw technique -- NFL defensive line coaches would love to work with him.

Jonathan Dwyer , RB, Georgia Tech, 5-11, 235, 4.48, late first/early second round

Some may discount Dwyer's two straight seasons rushing for 1,395 yards (and a combined 26 touchdowns) because he operated in a triple-option offense under head coach Paul Johnson. But his combination of size and speed will allow him to operate in any offense. He's also a threat as a receiver out of backfield, even though Tech didn't use that option very often (five times in 2009), and can return kicks.

Maurkice Pouncey , OL, Florida, 6-5, 310, N/A/, late first/early second round

Don't let coach Urban Meyer's spread offense fool you: Pouncey is not a finesse lineman. The All-American and 2009 Rimington Trophy winner is tough, strong and athletic enough to start at guard or center in any NFL system. Known to play through the whistle, the 6-5, 310-pound junior started at right guard in his true freshman season and never looked back. As for his character, Meyer stated Pouncey "has been like a son to me."

Chad Jones , SS, LSU, 6-3, 230, 4.55, late first/second round

A two-sport star at LSU, Jones stated via his own press release that his dream has always been to play in the NFL despite his success on the baseball field (he was drafted by Houston in the 13th round out of high school). Entering the draft at the same time as his older brother, LSU DE Rahim Alem, may have also played a part in his decision. The second-team All-SEC pick (74 tackles, three interceptions) started at free safety this season but has shown the athleticism to play nickel back and around the line of scrimmage. Like many college safeties, however, Jones likes to freelance and will try to go for the big hit instead of wrapping up ballcarriers. Still, a team may like his versatility and size/speed combination enough to take a chance on him at the end of the first round or very early in the second.

Demaryius Thomas , WR, Georgia Tech, 6-3, 229, 4.59, late first/early second round

When Thomas was shut out in Tech's Capital One Bowl loss to Iowa, it seemed likely the talented junior would take his game to the next level - if only to have a larger role in a pro-style offense. "Bay Bay" did gain 1,154 yards on only 46 catches while earning all-ACC honors this year, taking advantage of defenses geared to stop Tech's option attack. Although his top-end speed is a question mark, his big body and strong hands allow him to win jump balls, block like a mad man and separate from small cornerbacks on the edge.

Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma, 6-6, 258, 4.78, late first/early second round

The All-American tight end had Sooners coach Bob Stoops announce his intention to leave school despite injuring his left knee in preseason practice. A probable first-round pick after the 2008 season because of his receiving and blocking skills, Gresham decided not to tempt fate with another injury in 2010, and turned down his redshirt. Like Bradford, as long as he checks out medically he should be a top 50 pick.

Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland, 6-7, 310, 4.97, late first/early second round

A big body with a lot of potential, the left tackle decided to leave Maryland despite starting only 17 games in his three years due to injury and inconsistency. Without question Campbell has the athletic ability to succeed at the next level, but will teams be wary of his maturity and lack of experience?

Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois, 6-2, 220, 4.50, late first/early second round

A disappointing junior season in which his receiving yardage dropped from 1,044 in 2008 to 490 didn't stop "Rejus" from throwing his name into the hat. Scouts are aware that his quarterback was inconsistent, to say the least. Although not expected to run one of the top 40s at the Combine, his size, strong running and return ability should earn him a spot in the top 50.

Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan, 6-0, 185, 4.42, late first/early second round

Stating the obvious to anyone who has seen the corner play in recent years, Warren said he was confident in his ability to play at the next level. The fact the Wolverines aren't lighting the world on fire probably had something to do with the decision as well. Warren has the requisite speed and aggressiveness to start on the edge in the NFL. A weak senior class and first- or second-round projection from the league made the decision easy for the second-team All-Big Ten pick.

Navorro Bowman , LB, Penn State, 6-1, 232, 4.68, late first/early second round

Bowman has 199 tackles, 33.5 for loss, seven sacks, three interceptions and eight pass break-ups over the past two seasons. He plays bigger than his measurements indicate in coverage and against the run. Bowman also has very good closing speed, meaning he could play either outside linebacker spot for teams without height minimums for their second-level starters.

Brian Price, DT, UCLA, 6-1, 300, 5.08, late first/early second round

Undersized three-technique defensive tackles like Price tend to fall into the late first or early second round (last year Atlanta selected Ole Miss' Peria Jerry with the 24th overall selection). Although Price spent a lot of time on the ground against Temple in UCLA's EagleBank Bowl win, he also showed the quickness and hustle that landed him first-team All-Pac-10 honors the past two seasons (48.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks in 2008-2009).

Jahvid Best, RB, California, 5-10, 195, 4.42, late first/mid-second round

Although he missed the last four games of the season after suffering a concussion and sore back on a dive into the end zone, Best decided to head to the NFL. His breakaway speed and ability to cut on a dime are undeniable, and his versatility as a runner (2,668 career yards), receiver (533) and kick returner (844) will endear him to teams. Durability concerns and his lack of size, however, may prevent him from cracking the top 20 picks.

Earl Thomas, FS, Texas, 5-10, 197, 4.45, late first/second round

Mack Brown is having a harder time keeping his Longhorns for four years than he used to. After only three seasons, one as a redshirt, his All-American free safety (eight interceptions, 16 pass break-ups in 2009) chose to take the next step in his career. Although Thomas certainly has the range and ball skills to be a playmaker in an NFL secondary, his inconsistency wrapping up Alabama running backs in the BCS Championship Game loss made scouts wonder if he'll be able to bring down larger NFL running backs and receivers. In fact, some teams may work out Thomas as a cornerback to see if his skills translate best there. In either case, he's just too talented to slip out of the top 40 overall picks.

Carlton Mitchell , WR, South Florida, 6-4, 212, 4.45, second round

Allegations against coach Jim Leavitt of physical abuse cost the team more than its coach, as the Bulls' lanky junior receiver decided to take his game to the NFL. Mitchell led the team with 40 catches for 706 yards and four touchdowns this season, becoming redshirt freshman quarterback B.J. Daniels' favorite target after he replaced injured senior stalwart Matt Grothe. Mitchell's height and straight-line speed are exactly what NFL teams want in a deep threat, but his ability to run crisp routes and fight through tackles may surprise some scouts unfamiliar with his play. His inconsistent hands may keep him out of the first round, but Mitchell's overall skill set should keep him in the top 75 selections.

Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa, 6-0, 190, 4.53, second round

The Hawkeyes' physical cornerback gained fans in 2008, when his 68 tackles, four interceptions put him on the Big Ten coaches' all-conference second team -- and scouts' radars. He followed that up with a first-team All-Big Ten season (56 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass break-ups). Scouts will question him about being kicked off the Iowa squad for academics after his redshirt season, which led to an All-American season at Iowa Central CC in 2007 before he returned to Iowa City. But in the end, NFL teams will likely grade Spievey as a top 75 pick after seeing his superior ball skills and willingness to take on any receiver.

Joe McKnight , RB, Southern Cal, 6-0, 190, 4.42, second round

Stop me if you've heard this one before: a Trojan running back with a receiver build and excellent speed has decided to leave school early while under the cloud of an NCAA investigation. There will be endless comparisons of McKnight to Reggie Bush during the draft process, as there were on campus. He's not quite as elusive as Bush was at USC, but is still very tough to tackle in the open field and runs with great balance. McKnight rushed for 1,014 yards and eight touchdowns on only 164 carries this season and is a better inside runner than he's given credit for. Still, teams looking for a power back may shy away from McKnight, causing him to drop a bit further than his rushing, receiving and return skills may indicate.

Thaddeus Gibson , OLB, Ohio State, 6-2, 240, 4.64, second round

The second-team All-Big Ten pick made a number of plays this season (13 tackles for loss, four sacks) playing both with his hand on the ground and standing up on the edge. Gibson's closing speed and violent hands made it difficult to block him in pass rush situations, and he also chased down many ball carriers from behind. Scouts wonder if NFL offensive linemen may find it easier to neutralize him, so proving his strength during workouts will be crucial during the postseason draft process.

Aaron Hernandez , TE, Florida, 6-2, 240, 4.62, second round

With Tim Tebow playing his final game for the Gators and the future of coach Urban Meyer in doubt, Hernandez's plan to leave Gainesville a year early didn't come as a shocker. He fills a need for teams looking for a secure-handed receiving tight end/H-back (he won't give them much blocking) somewhere in the top 50 picks. The John Mackey Award winner caught 68 passes for 850 yards and five scores in 2009, impressing scouts by being a reliable target, making circus grabs and running tough after the catch.

Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma, 6-0, 192, 4.48, second round

Franks initially said he would return to Norman but has now decided it's time to move on. The first-team All-Big 12 pick (four interceptions) possesses the confidence, size and speed NFL teams want at cornerback, although he can be undisciplined at times. Teams thinking they can coach him up will take a chance, especially with a lack of elite senior talent at the position.

Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State, 5-11, 220, 4.49, second round

After finishing among the NCAA leaders with 1,808 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns his junior year, including 144 yards and two scores against Wyoming in the New Mexico Bowl, Mathews thought he had accomplished as much as he could at the college level. He is a powerful runner with all of the physical tools to be a successful NFL back, and even mixes it up in pass protection. But the devaluation of running backs, his lack of vision as a runner and inconsistent receiving hands might prevent him from being selected in the first round.

Morgan Burnett , FS, Georgia Tech, 6-1, 210, 4.54, mid-to-late second round

Burnett joined teammates Morgan and Dwyer on the road to the NFL after a second-team All-ACC junior season in which he made 85 tackles, four for loss, and four interceptions. Those numbers were actually down from his All-American sophomore campaign (95 tackles, seven for loss, seven interceptions, eight pass break-ups). A versatile, physical safety willing to pop receivers and pound running backs, Burnett's inconsistency getting off blocks and making open-field tackles against elusive runners will be among the negatives listed by scouts.

Jason Worilds , OLB/DE, Virginia Tech, 6-2, 262, 4.75, mid-second/early third round

After his second consecutive second-team all-ACC season, Worilds decided to head to the next level. The Hokies' strong-side defensive end played through a shoulder injury most of the year, making 11 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks (he had 18.5 and eight in 2008). His quickness off the snap and long arms (which he uses to get off blocks to stop the run) will intrigue scouts as a pass rusher, much like Cody Brown, Everette Brown, Daryl Tapp and other top 75 picks have in recent drafts. Although some teams will project him to linebacker, others are keeping smaller players as 4-3 ends after seeing the Colts' success with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse, 6-2, 212, 4.49, mid-second/early third round

Physically, Williams could be a first-round pick because of his size, speed, body control and elusiveness after the catch. But his maturity issues can't be overlooked. Williams missed the 2008 season due to academics, returned to the team after a year at a community college, then quit in October rather than being suspended for an off-field issue. Despite playing in only seven games in 2009, he led the Orange with 49 catches for 746 yards and six touchdowns. If he can convince teams at the Combine that he's not a character risk, a team will draft him earlier than expected.

Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas, 6-3, 200, 4.62, mid-second/early third round

Briscoe's a bit under the radar because of the other prolific offenses in the Big 12, the Jayhawks' seven-game losing streak and the controversy surrounding departed coach Mark Mangino. But coaches still voted Briscoe first-team all-conference after he made 84 receptions for 1,337 yards and nine touchdowns. His size and hands grab scouts' attention, but Briscoe must prove he has the top-end speed and route-running skills to earn a top 50 selection.

Rennie Curran , LB, Georgia, 5-10, 225, 4.56, third round

This Bulldog earns that nickname every week as one of the more explosive tacklers in recent linebacker classes. The team captain made 130 tackles in 2009, leading the SEC and earning first-team all-conference honors. Unfortunately, teams following size restrictions when they grade players will not feel he measures up to their standards. The Lions selected 5-11 Jordon Dizon in the second round last year, however, and the Colts aren't afraid to take good football players no matter their size - so it's possible he could be drafted anywhere from the mid-second to fourth rounds.

Reshad Jones , FS, Georgia, 6-2, 212, 4.56, third round

Jones intercepted his fourth pass of the season in Georgia's demolition of Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl, and finished with 73 tackles in 2009. In terms of size and speed, Jones fits in the NFL ideal for the safety position. However, NFL teams are not sure if he's disciplined enough in coverage or a secure enough tackler to be considered an elite prospect.

Jevan Snead , QB, Ole Miss, 6-3, 215, 4.67, third round

A lot of preseason hype surrounded Snead, projected by many as a possible first-round pick because of the athleticism, arm strength and play-making he showed in 2008. The Texas transfer struggled in 2009, however, completing only 54.4 percent of his passes and throwing as many interceptions as touchdowns (20). His play in the Rebels' Cotton Bowl win (13 for 23 passing, 168 yards, three interceptions) did not give him a boost heading into the draft, either. Losing left tackle Michael Oher and wide receiver Mike Wallace after last year hurt Snead's ability to succeed, but there still are enough questions about his maturity and accuracy that quarterbacks like Tony Pike (Cincinnati) and Sean Canfield (Oregon State) may beat him out for available spots in the second round.

Antonio Brown , WR, Central Michigan, 5-10, 182, 4.42, fourth round

The departure of his quarterback, Dan LeFevour, to the NFL and his head coach, Butch Jones, to the University of Cincinnati left little waiting for Brown in Mount Pleasant in 2010. The two-time first-team All-MAC pick made his presence felt as a receiver (1,020 yards, nine scores), runner (319 yards, two scores) and returner (two punt return touchdowns, 570 kick return yards) in 2009. Brown lacks the elite speed and quickness of a Devin Hester or Santana Moss, however, and dropped passes have plagued him at times. Still, he could be player who is tough to cut in training camp because of his versatility and play-making skills.


Staying in school
Jake Locker, QB, Washington, 6-3, 226, 4.57, top 10

NFL scouts watched the progression of Locker under offensive guru Steve Sarkisian this season. And although Locker still is raw in some ways, any team in the top 10 needing a quarterback would have jumped at Locker because of his size, athleticism, arm strength and upside as a pocket passer. But Locker took the other path, deciding to return to the Huskies for another season so he can improve his game under Sarkisian before heading to the next level.

Cameron Heyward , DE/DT, Ohio State, 6-6, 287, 4.96, early-to-mid first round

The son of former NFL power back Craig "Ironhead" Heyward could have been a top 10 pick had he decided to leave school, especially with 3-4 teams always looking for his combination of strong hands and agility on the line. If his senior year is anything like his 2009 campaign (first-team All-Big Ten, 11 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks), Heyward will continue to rise up boards next spring.

Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina, 6-3, 225, 4.57, mid-first round

Though his size and speed could make him the top linebacker off the board, Carter stated a desire to get his degree before heading to the NFL. If he becomes an all-around player for a talented North Carolina team potentially competing for the ACC title next season, a spot in the top 10 in 2011 seems likely.

Marvin Austin , DT, North Carolina, 6-3, 305, 4.93, mid-first/early second round

One of the top prospects in the country coming out of high school in 2006, Austin really began to fulfill his potential last season, earning second-team All-ACC honors with six tackles for loss and four sacks. But he joined Bruce Carter and four other junior teammates listed below in a joint announcement at Chapel Hill stating their intention to stay in school for 2010. UNC should have one of the top defenses in the country with that crew working under Butch Davis.

Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska, 6-1, 200, 4.52, late first/second round

Prince really started to come into his own as a junior, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors with 64 tackles, five interceptions and 11 pass break-ups. NFL teams relying on physical man coverage appreciate his ability to lock down large receivers, as well as support the run on the edge. Another year in Lincoln working on his technique and mental discipline not only improves the Huskers' chances of winning a Big 12 title in 2010, but also the likelihood of his being a first-round pick.

Ryan Mallett , QB, Arkansas, 6-7, 238, 5.12, late first/early second round

Although Mallett considered entering the NFL Draft after only one season as a starter at Arkansas, his inconsistent accuracy (15-for-36 passing in the Liberty Bowl, 55.8 percent completion rate for the season) showed he was not quite ready to move on. The transfer from Michigan has the height to survey the field and arm strength to stretch the field horizontally and vertically. Another season working with Bobby Petrino on his mechanics and decision-making, as well as growing as a leader, should help him become one of the top quarterback prospects for 2011.

DeAndre McDaniel, FS, Clemson, 6-1, 210, 4.45, late first/early second round

In November, McDaniel told the Greenville News that he wanted to stay at Clemson for his senior season. The first-team All-ACC pick intercepted eight passes this season and was credited with 102 tackles by his coaches. If he sticks with that decision, he should be among the top three senior safeties available in 2010.

Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia Tech, 6-2, 200, 4.54, late first/early second round

Scouts are excited about Dowling's size, physicality and receiver-like ball skills. They'll have to wait until 2011 to select him, however, as he decided to stay in Charlottesville to earn his degree and enhance his chances of being a first-round pick.

Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma, 5-11, 178, 4.46, late first/early second round

Despite lighting up the Stanford Cardinal defense for 156 yards and three touchdowns on 13 receptions in the Sooners' Sun Bowl victory (giving him 89-1,120-15 for the season), Broyles said after the game "I'll be here" -- meaning he'd return to Norman. Though not the largest of receivers, the redshirt sophomore's elusiveness, toughness and reliability would have made him a top 50 pick.

Evan Royster , RB, Penn State, 6-1, 213, 4.52, early-mid second round

In somewhat of a surprise, Royster decided not to follow seniors QB Daryll Clark and TE Andrew Quarless and junior LB Navorro Bowman to the NFL. His combination of size, tough running, speed in the open field and receiving skills make him a possible first-round pick next year if he can healthy -- even though he will likely be sharing carries with rising junior Stephfon Green.

Allen Bradford, RB, Southern Cal, 5-11, 235, 4.58, second round

USC's power back got more carries than expected in 2009 due to Stafon Johnson's unfortunate weightlifting injury, but still had only 115 for the year (almost equal to the 123 Bradford had in the previous three seasons combined). Still, he racked up 668 yards and eight touchdowns and was named honorable mention All-Pac-10. He has decided to head back to Los Angeles for 2010 to prove himself a first-round value.

Allen Bailey, DT, Miami, 6-4, 288, 4.79, mid-first/early second round

Bailey's athleticism and versatility would have been greatly appreciated with so many teams either using the 3-4 as a base scheme or a change-up look. But another first-team All-ACC year in 2010 (11 TFL, seven sacks in '09) could put Bailey in the top 10.

Adrian Taylor, DT, Oklahoma, 6-4, 303, 4.94, second round

Taylor had an honorable mention All-Big 12 season in 2009, making 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks playing next to McCoy. He'll be the star of the show in 2010, using his quickness and strength to climb up the defensive tackle ladder with McCoy and others leaving early to join the NFL.

Stanley Havili, FB, USC, 6-1, 230, 4.59, second round

The potential top 50 pick -- because of his physical blocking and very good receiving ability -- decided to return for his senior year after missing time with a shoulder injury.

Others announcing their return to school (listed alphabetically):
Kendric Burney, CB, North Carolina, 5-9, 182, 4.43
Chimdi Chekwa, CB, Ohio State, 6-0, 188, 4.54
Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa, 6-3, 282, 4.83
Orlando Franklin, OT/OG, Miami (Fla.), 6-7, 318, 5.48
Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami (Fla.), 6-3, 215, 4.54
Ross Homan, OLB, Ohio State, 6-0, 230, 4.68
Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson, 6-4, 310, 4.98
Greg Little, WR, North Carolina, 6-3, 212, 4.59
Derrick Locke, RB, Kentucky, 5-9, 190, 4.34
Mike Pouncey, OG, Florida, 6-5, 320, 5.38
Quan Sturdivant, ILB, North Carolina, 6-2, 232, 4.56
Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina, 6-2, 205, 4.48

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.

Pro wrestler dad prepared Laurinaitis for NFL

Pro wrestler dad prepared Laurinaitis for NFL
Former Ohio State star linebacker grew up a bit differently than other kids

good article from www.msnbc.com on Ohio State's James Laurinaitis

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Joe Laurinaitis knew his middle child was bound for greatness about the time he saw the 12-year-old doing piledrivers and slamming his younger sister on the family’s backyard trampoline.
“He’d say, ’Hey, Daddy, look what I did! I did the Undertaker’s move!”’ the proud father said.
Now James Laurinaitis is ready to follow in his dad’s footsteps as a professional athlete, only in the NFL instead of the WWE.
Joe is the face-painted, mohawked menace known as Animal, part of the legendary Road Warriors and Legion of Doom. While other kids’ dads worked more predictable jobs for a living, James’ old man stepped into the squared circle, hit people with chairs and put them in sleeper holds.
At home, though, he was just dad — with a twist.
“There’s the face paint, and he still has a mohawk for his haircut and it’s been 25 years he’s had that,” James said with a chuckle. “But he never brought Animal home. Even my friends in school, they always knew him as Coach Joe or James’ dad. Not Animal. My friends didn’t know him that way. He always did a great job of just keeping it separate.”
After starting at linebacker the last three years at Ohio State, James is preparing for the NFL draft on April 25. A two-time Associated Press All-American, he is expected to go in the first round.
His father’s voice rises to a thundering growl — it’s even a little scary over the phone — when he considers that any team might consider another college linebacker ahead of his son.
“The only thing I wish for James is that he actually gets the respect he deserves and gets drafted where he deserves to go,” Joe snorts.
He concedes that James’ humility, even temperament and love of books came from his mother. But there are still signs that “Little Animal” is a chip off the ol’ block.
“Now he says, ’Anybody who gets drafted above me, I’m putting a picture on my wall and when I get ready to do my second contract, I’m going to see how many of those guys are still around the league,”’ Joe said.
Despite being best known as Animal, Joe was in most ways a typical father, coaching his kids’ teams, encouraging them from the stands, trying to teach them the rules of the game on one of the 100 or so days a year he wasn’t being a Road Warrior.
“He was a really good coach,” James said. “Some of the parents that didn’t know him, he would frighten them a little bit. They just saw this huge bark but there was never any bite. ... And it was not like he wore the biggest T-shirts either. He always had a shirt on that didn’t fit him that well and he was 310 pounds of muscle. Other coaches didn’t really want to mess with him.”
The Laurinaitis home, although conventional in many respects, was slightly off center in others. James, his younger sister Jessica (a college student) and older brother Joe (a police officer and expectant father in the Dayton area) lived a life different from their friends.
How many households have pay-per-view parties and invite the neighborhood over to watch daddy bash some guy’s head? How many kids have dads who know how to apply body paint?
“When they were younger and they would do things for school spirit or go to a high school football game, I would paint them up,” Joe said. “Like, James’ whole football team. I would be sitting there in the kitchen and there would be 10 or 12 kids over and I would paint the whole team up and then send them off to the game. Same if it was Halloween. James was me for Halloween for a few years there.”
Julie Laurinaitis wasn’t your typical mom, either. How many sons refer to their mother as “a beast” in a loving way?
“When she was about 20 years old she could dead lift 315 pounds,” James said. “She was a beast. But she was still tiny. She was a swimmer in high school and ran track. She definitely was long and lean. She would play quarterback in the backyard. When we were in kindergarten, waiting for the bus, she would be the one throwing me the football. She took a beating raising the three of us.”
Growing up, James played baseball (a catcher, like his dad), wrestled and was a defenseman in hockey. A friend and teammate in middle school was Blake Wheeler, one of the top rookies in the NHL this season with the Boston Bruins.
But football appealed to James’ sense of order. He played quarterback on offense, then switched to linebacker when the other team had the ball. His father would say to him, “If you were quarterbacking, what play would you call now?” It helped James to think ahead, to anticipate what an offense would do. It’s a trait that he carried over to his college days, when his intuition paid big dividends.
The most decorated linebacker ever at Ohio State, he was a two-time Big Ten defensive player of the year, won the Nagurski Award as a sophomore, the Butkus Award the next year and the Lott Award as a senior.
One wonders if he would have been such an accomplished athlete if his father had been or claims adjuster or a senator.
“That’s a good question,” he said. “I don’t think so, not with the way my dad used to train and the genetics he gave me. If he didn’t love sports, maybe I’m not an athlete at all. There’s a lot of what ifs there.
“If he had chosen another profession, no matter what he’d have been my coach and he’d want me to do sports. Sometimes parents’ interests have to get a kid going.”

Latest NFL Mock Draft

NFL Mock Draft Latest Update

Round 1
1 Detroit Andre Smith* OT 6'5" 340 Alabama
2 St. Louis Matthew Stafford* QB 6'3" 237 Georgia
3 Kansas City Michael Johnson DE 6'7" 247 Georgia Tech
4 Seattle Michael Crabtree** WR 6'3" 214 Texas Tech
5 Cleveland Chris Wells* RB 6'1" 235 Ohio State
6 Cincinnati Michael Oher OT 6'5" 325 Mississippi
7 Oakland Brian Orakpo DE 6'4" 248 Texas
8 Jacksonville Eugene Monroe OT 6'6" 318 Virginia
9 Green Bay Malcolm Jenkins CB 6'1" 203 Ohio State
10 San Francisco Aaron Curry OLB 6'2" 246 Wake Forest
11 Buffalo Jason Smith OT 6'5" 300 Baylor
12 Denver Everette Brown* DE 6'4" 254 Florida State
13 Washington Aaron Maybin** DE 6'3" 250 Penn State
14 New Orleans Vontae Davis* CB 6'0" 205 Illinois
15 Houston Jeremy Maclin** WR 6'0" 198 Missouri
16 San Diego Rey Maualuga ILB 6'3" 250 USC
17 NY Jets Knowshon Moreno** RB 5'11" 207 Georgia
18 Chicago D.J. Moore* CB 5'10" 180 Vanderbilt
19 Tampa Bay B.J. Raji DT 6'1" 325 Boston College
20 Detroit (from Dallas) Mark Sanchez* QB 6'4" 220 USC
21 Philadelphia LeSean McCoy** RB 5'11" 205 Pittsburgh
22 Minnesota Percy Harvin* WR 5'11" 181 Florida
23 New England James Laurinaitis ILB 6'2" 244 Ohio State
24 Atlanta William Moore S 6'1" 215 Missouri
25 Miami Alphonso Smith CB 5'9" 191 Wake Forest
26 Baltimore Sean Smith* CB 6'3" 215 Utah
27 Indianapolis Sen'Derrick Marks* DT 6'1" 290 Auburn
28 Philadelphia (from Car) Chase Coffman TE 6'6" 245 Missouri
29 NY Giants Brian Cushing OLB 6'4" 240 USC
30 Tennessee Tyson Jackson DE 6'5" 291 LSU
31 Arizona Duke Robinson OG 6'5" 330 Oklahoma
32 Pittsburgh Mike Mickens CB 6'0" 165 Cincinnati

To get rounds 2-7 click here

QBs among key questions for NFL Combine

QBs among key questions for NFL Combine

The NFL's annual Scouting Combine features roughly 325 collegiates, including 45 underclassmen, all of whom are going through drills testing straight-line speed, raw strength, change of direction skills, intelligence, and physical fitness.
As is often the case this time of year, the debate at the top of the draft is whether a quarterback with "red flags" is worth the No. 1 choice. Matt Ryan's 19 senior-year interceptions at Boston College naturally led to questions about his decision making. Arguments against Georgia's Matthew Stafford include his 56.9 career completion rate and the staggering history of underclassman quarterback busts.
Stafford is expected to bypass the Combine in favor of working out at the Bulldogs' March Pro Day. Ryan took the same approach last year and still went No. 3 to the Falcons. However, Ryan was projected to go first in numerous pre-draft projections and Brady Quinn tumbled to No. 22 overall after sitting out the Senior Bowl and most of the 2007 Combine. All three quarterbacks are represented by agent Tom Condon. Only time will tell if Stafford's absence results in a draft-day plunge.
Solidifying Second Place
After Stafford, three underclassmen fall in line as quarterback prospects two through four. USC's Mark Sanchez, Kansas State's Josh Freeman, and Ball State's Nate Davis all boast impressive arm strength and mobility. Perhaps the most striking physical QB specimen since JaMarcus Russell, the 6-6, 250-pound Freeman could make a run at Sanchez to be the second QB taken.
Anyone who's seen Freeman play knows he has a cannon, and Davis won the distance throw in January's ESPN college all-star event. Sanchez might be the finest on-the-run passing prospect since Carson Palmer. Accuracy is the most vital characteristic for a successful quarterback, but arm strength improves draft stock. Without bulky shoulder pads or knee braces, the Combine provides a level playing field to gauge pure throwing power. Some separation should be created between the next three quarterbacks.
How Big Is Harvin, Really?
Like arm length for a tackle and hand size for a quarterback, height is always a key measurable for a wideout. Percy Harvin will never be big, but he'll struggle to go in the top 20 picks if he measures 5-9. Florida is famous for exaggerating a player's size, and it's hard to imagine Harvin living up to his 5-11, 195 college listing. It does help Harvin that weigh-ins are on the first day. He'll burn up the track later in the week and leave a strong impression.
A Weightier Issue
Some news broke last week regarding a pair of college defensive ends teams are looking at as 3-4 outside linebackers. Everette Brown of Florida State and Penn State's Aaron Maybin are both underclassmen with size question marks.
Maybin, who graduated from high school weighing 220 and was listed at 6-4, 236 by the Nittany Lions, plans to report at 6-4, 250 on February 18. The 20-year-old third-year sophomore will be put through cover drills at the Combine. On top of his Big Ten-best 12 sacks, Maybin flashed the ability to drop into a zone from a three-point stance last season. But will the added weight affect his agility? Whereas a good showing could secure Maybin a place in the top nine, he could fall into the 20s if he struggles.
A 21-year-old fourth-year junior, Brown was possibly the nation's most explosive defender in 2008. Using a Dwight Freeney-esque spin move and scintillating up-field speed, Brown was unblockable by single teams at Florida State. He led the ACC in sacks (13.5) and tackles for a loss (21.5). But it was revealed that Brown played his final college game at 225 pounds after being listed as 6-4, 252 by the Seminoles. Brown could be bumped down draft boards by teams that employ four-man fronts if he reports to the Combine under 240.
Differing Opinions on Iowa's Greene
Early entrant tailback Shonn Greene started only one season at Iowa, but showed starting-caliber NFL ability with 1,850 yards on 307 carries (6.0 average) and 20 touchdowns as a junior. The 2008 Doak Walker Award winner is considered the best blocking back available, may be the draft's finest pure power runner, and possesses Marshawn Lynch-like tackle-breaking ability. But opinions differ on the 5-11, 235-pounder, who at 23 is a shade older than the usual underclassman.
The media's most recognized draft analysts -- ESPN's Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, and NFL Network's Mike Mayock -- weighed in on Greene's draft stock in a conference call with beat reporters last week.
Kiper mentioned Greene's inexperience as a pass catcher and said he won't be surprised if Greene falls to the middle rounds. Mayock is concerned with Greene's off-field history. He was rumored to balloon to 300 pounds after being temporarily kicked out of school for bad grades in 2007. Running backs don't need Harvard degrees to explode through holes, but teams will surely check Greene's Wonderlic score at the Combine.
From a physical standpoint, straight-line speed is Greene's biggest question mark. A forty time in the low 4.5s could guarantee Greene a spot in round two. A 4.7, however, could put Greene on the Tony Hunt career path.
Much to Gain
Another prospect with speed concerns is North Carolina WR Hakeem Nicks. The 6-1, 215-pound split end plays like he's 6-4 and will stand out in the receivers' Gauntlet Drill as a pure hands catcher. Nicks never lets passes get into his body, snatching them out of the air with outstanding coordination. But he's rumored to run in the 4.6 range, and in a receiver-rich draft such a time would hurt. After Crabtree, Nicks is battling Jeremy Maclin, Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Harvin to be the second receiver off the board. Nicks' competitors will likely all run sub-4.4s.
Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins is the draft's consensus top cornerback, but some feel he's better suited for safety in the pros. Jenkins is a vicious, aggressive tackler, possesses safety size at 6-1, 201, and has trouble with smaller speed receivers in coverage. If he runs a 4.4 flat at the Combine, however, teams will feel comfortable keeping Jenkins outside. Cornerback is the more valued position and Jenkins could solidify a place in the top eight picks.
Like his older brother Vernon, consensus No. 2 corner Vontae Davis of Illinois is a physical freak at 6-0, 204 and will likely run faster than Jenkins. Davis even has a fighter's chance to emerge as the first CB drafted if he performs well in position drills and his forty is significantly better.
Under the Radar
Off-field problems and fumbling affected Texas A&M RB Mike Goodson's playing time early in his college career, and dominant short-yardage specialist Jorvorskie Lane vultured many of his potential touchdowns.
As a junior in 2008, Goodson was given the full-time tailback reigns with Lane converting to fullback, but the Aggies were terrible under new coach Mike Sherman and Goodson generated only 406 rushing yards. Still, the early entrant offers plus size (6-0, 220), receiving ability, and straight-away speed. Despite little fanfare as an Aggie, Goodson is a candidate to shoot up draft boards with a dominant Combine.
Southern Mississippi "move" tight end Shawn Nelson was the surprise star of January's Senior Bowl, exhibiting willingness as a blocker, soft hands, and an impressive 6-5 frame. This draft lacks a clear-cut No. 2 tight end after Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew, but Nelson is the early frontrunner. Jared Cook of South Carolina, who Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier once compared to Calvin Johnson, converted QB and onetime Florida basketball player Cornelius Ingram, and versatile Rice H-back James Casey are other tight ends to watch.
Brian Orakpo of Texas is considered the draft's top defensive end, but many teams view the Nagurski Award winner as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Northern Illinois' Larry English, Georgia Tech's Michael Johnson, and the aforementioned Brown and Maybin fall into a similar category. There is no consensus top base 4-3 end.
That's where Utah redshirt sophomore Paul Kruger could come in. Listed at 6-5, 265, Kruger was unstoppable in the Sugar Bowl against Alabama and already wears a borderline first-round grade. Kruger, who went on a two-year Mormon mission before his breakout 2008 campaign, could move into the top-20 range with a big week.

NFL 2009 Mock Draft Projections as of January 19th

1. Detroit Lions: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia

This is going to be a very tough pick any way you swing it. Some people love Stafford as the top QB in the 2009 NFL Mock Draft because they say he is the most NFL Ready. Another pick people are saying a lot is the top OT in the draft be it Andre Smith or Michael Oher. I like both of these options but I think they need someone to be the face of their team in the 2009 season and I think Stafford will be the best at that. For a while I had Bradford as the top QB and player in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft but I don’t think he has the attitude the Lions will be looking for with the face of their franchise..

2. St. Louis Rams: Andre Smith, OT, Bama

The Rams really need a great offensive Tackle to Anchor their O-line and replace the great Orlando Pace for the 2009 NFL Season. You saw how much Bama struggled without him in their bowl game. I have him ranked as the top O-Line in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft and personally I think he is the best player in the 2009 NFL Draft.


3. KC Chiefs: Everette Brown, DE, FSU

The Defensive end out of Florida State looks to be the best Defensive end in the 2009 NFL Draft. The Chiefs were awful last year in rushing the passer and he could be a great presence off the end. This is why I have Brown as the first Defensive end and 3rd overall pick in my 2009 NFL Mock Draft.


4. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree, WR, TTU

Seattle has struggled this past year and a lot of it was due to a poor offensive line and lack of talent at the WR position. So I have them taking an awesome play maker in the 2009 NFL Draft. He will be a great weapon no matter where he goes because he is both big and fast with awesome hands.



5. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Curry, OLB, WF

The Browns have not fixed their secondary in the last couple years and this is one of their biggest problems. However, I don’t think their is a CB good enough to go this hi so I have them taking a freakish athlete here. Curry can put his hand down and play end as well as play OLB in the 2009 NFL Season.









6. Cincinnati Bengals: Eugene Monroe, OT, UVA

The Bengals could go one of many ways but I say they need to build their line and protect their QB before they make any other adjustments. I think the Bengals have a lot of potential they just need to improve their protection and get their running game going in the 2009 NFL Season.


7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

The Raiders actually make a smart choice in the 2009 NFL Draft for once and they take an offensive line to help protect all of their potential stars. I think that Oher could be a great pro for years to come and could really help the Raiders this up coming year.


8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Mizzou

The Jaguars don’t have any great play makers at the WR position for Garrard to throw to. I think that Maclin is not only a good player but he is a tremendous athlete. He can run reverses, return kicks and beat corners deep for Td’s. This may be a little high to take him but the Jags really need a play maker like Maclin to be good in 2009.


9. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, PSU

The Packers are getting older in their secondary as well as along their defensive line. Aaron Maybin has the skill set to both play Defensive end as well as OLB in the NFL. I have him ranked as my second defensive end in the this 2009 NFL Mock Draft. If he can get up about 20 lbs he could be an elite NFL Player.


10. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

The 49ers get a great QB who could be the top pick in the NFL Draft with the 10th overall Pick. They don’t have a QB for the future but Mark Sanchez is at the top of his game right now and looking to be a top 15 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. I have him as the second best QB in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft.

11. Buffalo Bills: Brian Orakpo, DE, UT

The Bills get one of the best Defensive ends in the 2009 NFL Draft here. I have Orakpo ranked as my third best defensive end in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft. However, he is more of a 4-3 defensive end and Aaron Maybin is more of a 3-4 defensive end.

12. Denver Broncos: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

Ok everyone is telling me that the Broncos are going defense with their first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. In this 2009 NFL Mock Draft I believe that they will go defense but I wouldn’t be surprised if they went after one of the top RB’s in the 2009 NFL Mock Draft.

13. Washington Redskins: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

The Redskins get a very good Offensive Tackle with this pick for the 2009 NFL Season. He will both help them in the passing and running game with his size and quick feet.

14 . New Orleans Saints: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St.

The Saints get one of the best ILB in the 2009 NFL Mock Draft. This 2009 NFL Mock Draft has the Saints building their defense from the inside out in the 2009 NFL Draft.

15. Houston Texans: William Moore,S, Mizzou

Moore is a great Athlete who will be a big Play Maker in 2009. The Texans find a great player here for a steal.









16. San Diego Chargers: Duke Robinson, OT/G, OU

The Chargers get a very Good Offensive Linemen here who could play RT until Mcneil is done and then move over to Left Tackle. Also with all the talk of Sproles leaving and LT’s time running out I wouldn’t be surprised if they went after one of the top RB’s in the 2009 NFL Draft.

17. NY Jets: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

The Jets need to build the interior of their defense for the 2009 NFL Season. However, Knowshon Moreno is a great RB who is excellent value at the 17th overall pick. In this 2009 NFL Mock Draft it has Moreno falling but I could definitely see him going higher in the draft their just isn’t a great need higher in the 2009 NFL Draft.

18. Chicago Bears: Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, MD

The Bears defense is getting older but I think they go after a playmaking receiver to help their QB in the 2009 season. Bey is supposed to run in the 4.3’s in the 2009 NFL Draft Combine. He is ranked as my 3rd best WR in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft because of his size and speed.

19. TB Buccaneers: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

The Bucs get a very good play maker here in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft. Harvin is considered as most to be a WR but he can also help in the running game as well as the return game. He can line up in nearly every position to help the Buccaneers offense attack in the 2009 NFL Season.

20. Detroit Lions (Dallas): Clint Sintim, OLB, VA

The Lions get a very good player here to help them on the defensive end of the ball. They just hired a defensive minded coach so they will probably go defense with quite a few picks in the 2009 NFL Draft.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Eben Britton, OT, AZ

The Eagles get a very under rated OT here from a very good college program. They could potentially lose both of their OT’s in the offseason so they need some Tackles for the 2009 NFL Season. Britton has built his stock recently because of the OT’s going back to school. He is now rated as a first round pick in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft.

22. Minnesota Vikings: William Beatty, OT, UCONN

The Vikings Offensive line isn’t getting any younger and they could lose some guys in the offseason. Beatty stock has increased because all the OT’s that have decided to go back to school for their senior season.

23. NE Patriots: Malcom Jenkins, CB, Ohio St.

The Patriots could go with another ILB to match up with Jerod Mayo the beast from Tennessee. However, their isn’t really someone of that value on the board. So they get the best ranked CB in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft with the 23rd pick overall.

24. Atlanta Falcons: B.J. Raji, DT, BC

The Falcons take the best defensive tackle in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft here. He is a big guy that will help stuff the run and improve the Falcons for next season. They could also go TE with this pick because Brandon Pettigrew the best TE in the 2009 NFL Draft is still on the board.


25. Miami Dolphins: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

Whatever Parcels decides to do in the 2009 NFL Draft I will agree with I am just guessing. Terrence Cody is HUGE and I think he will be a big run stopping influence immediately.








26. Baltimore Ravens: Vontae Davis, CB, ILL

The Ravens get a very gifted CB here in Vontae Davis. He is my second ranked CB in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft though he might be the most athletically gifted. I think if you put him in the secondary with Ed Reed they will be even scarier in 2009 then they are right now.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Perria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

They Colts once again had problems stopping the run this year. They get my second ranked DT in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft with the 27th overall pick. Jerry could be an immediate impact in the middle of the Colts defense and helping with the run in the 2009 season.

28. Eagles (Carolina): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Ok. St.

The Eagles get the best all around Tight End in the 2009 NFL Draft. I have Gresham going higher then him because he is a little faster and more of a receiving TE then Pettigrew. However, Pettigrew is better all around because he is a great blocking TE as well as a great receiving one.

29. NY Giants: Michael Johnson, DE, GT

The Giants have great defensive ends but they did lose Strahan last year and you can never have to much depth at this position. Johnson is one of the top DE’s in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft.

30. Tennessee Titans: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

The Titans had injuries at the Defensive end position this year so they could use some great depth. Jackson is a great end that will fit in very well with the Titans 4-3 scheme in the 2009 Season.

31. Arizona Cardinals: Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio St.

The Edge has looked pretty good in the post season but he isn’t getting any younger. I think Beanie Wells is pretty evenly balanced and the 2nd best running back in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft. He will help them run the game and pair up well with Hightower.


32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Unger, C, Oregon

The Steelers get the versatile interior linemen they have been missing for the last couple of years. Unger has the potential to play both Guard and Center in the NFL and has surpassed Alex Mack as the top rated C in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft.

2009 NFL Draft Projections as of January 4th, 2009

www.sportsprojections.com

2009 NFL Draft Projections as of January 4th, 2009


1. Detroit - Matt Stafford QB Georgia

2. St. Louis - Andre Smith OT Alabama

3. Kansas City - Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma

4. Seattle - Taylor Mays S USC

5. Cleveland - Malcom Jenkins CB Ohio State

6. Cincinnati - Aaron Curry LB Wake Forest

7. Oakland - Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech

8. Jacksonville - Michael Oher OT Ole Miss

9. Green Bay - Brian Orakpo DE Texas

10. San Francisco - Eugene Monroe OT Virginia

11. Buffalo - Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech

12. Denver - Tyson Jackson DE LSU

13. Washington - Jason Smith OT Baylor

14. New Orleans - Vontae Davis CB Illinois

15. Houston - DJ Moore CB Vanderbilt

16. San Diego - Rey Maualuga LB USC

17. NY Jets - Brandon Spikes LB Florida

18. Chicago - Mark Sanchez QB USC

19. Tampa Bay - Darrius Heyward Bey WR Maryland

20. Detroit (from Dallas) - Duke Robinson OL Oklahoma

21. Arizona - Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia

22. Philadelphia - James Laurinaitis LB Ohio State

23. Minnesota - Percy Harvin WR Florida

24. New England - William Moore S Missouri

25. Atlanta - Terrence Cody DT Alabama

26. Miami - George Selvie DE South Florida

27. Baltimore - Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri

28. Philadelphia (from Carolina) - Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State

29. Indianapolis - Peria Jerry DT Ole Miss

30. Pittsburgh - Chris Wells RB Ohio State

31. NY Giants - Alfonso Smith CB Wake Forest

32. Tennessee - Brian Cushing LB USC

2008 NFL Draft: My Opinion!

With Jake Long already going to Miami and off of the board it seems that St. Louis is on the clock and it is only Tuesday. I can't say that Jake Long is a #1 pick, a safe pick, yes, but Parcell's likes to have his guys there on day one and it seems he has his guy. My take, Long will go to a few pro-bowls, but is not a superstar. (Watch the OHIO STATE games V's MICHIGAN the past 4 years and Long was dominated by the Buckeye defensive lineman and they (OSU) were dominated by quicker athletes on both sides of the ball against the SEC teams.
I would say the next pick will be either Vernon Gholston, Glenn Dorsey, or Chris Long to St. Louis. My take, I don't think they could go wrong with either of these three. I would go with Chris Long simply because his pedigree (Howie), work ethic, and very smart. Chris Long goes 150% the entire game no matter what the situation. That could really help him in the league. I say he'll get his share of pro-bowls and play for at least 10 to 15 years.
Gholston would be my next pick if Long was off of the board. This guy could be the steal of the draft. He has potential to be a freak, but he also has potential to be lazy. His work ethic would be my only question going into training camp. I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes a superstar. I don't think I could let him slide out of the top 5 picks.
Glenn Dorsey will probably be a top 5 pick, but I have him behind Long and Gholsten because I think he is injury prone and has potential to become overweight for his position. If I need a DE and the others are off the board then I would take a chance on him. I can't believe I think taking Glenn Dorsey is an iffy pick, but I am.
Matt Ryan will be the first quarterback taken, but I think he is overrated and will not make an impact right away for Atlanta or Baltimore. These two teams are the only ones in need of a quarterback. I may be wrong, but I think he will be a top 10 pick that is a bust!
Darren McFadden, probably the best player in the draft. I think he could possibly be the best athlete in the draft and have the best career. He also could get put in a bad situation...... the Raiders. This may not help his career because I think he needs to go to a team that will guide him.
My opinion on the steal of the draft, Rashard Mendenhall!!!! Enough said.