2009 DRAFT :   We’re within a month of the 2009 DRAFT and based on the calendar, and some feedback from you readers it’s time for me to be running the names of some prospects past you who remind me of current or past NFL players. So here we go with another go-round...

            BRINKLEY literally limped through half the 2008 season while recovering from major knee surgery. He gained excess weight and looked tentative until late October. Then he showed flashes of his old self . He showed up at the COMBINE looking leaner and blew Personnel people away with his numbers. He was a fit 6’2/252, and posted a 4.72/40-time. JASPER is a big hitter with more agility than you might expect. His size and style of play remind me of BRADIE JAMES/COWBOYS.    

            CASILLAS is another player who played much of his senior season at less than 100% health-wise. When healthy he is a very active, quick player who will excel on Special Teams and have a solid chance as a Will-LB on a chase Defense like that of the COLTS. He has SS size (6’1/228) but will have much greater value remaining at LB. His sideline to sideline style of play is similar to that of CATO JUNE, now with the TEXANS.

            Amidst all the hoopla surrounding STAFFORD and SANCHEZ, FREEMAN is gaining some momentum heading into the DRAFT. FREEMAN has uncanny size (6’6/250) and a cannon of an arm. Even though he is coming out early he has serious experience with over 30 career starts. He has played with a mediocre supporting cast the past 3 years, and is accustomed to carrying the team on his back. He is fairly mobile in the pocket and reminds me in many ways of BEN ROETHLISBERGER/STEELERS.

        A load is the only way to describe LAOADHOLT. He is physically impressive even in the large world of  pro football. To succeed in the NFL he needs to play for a power running team like the RAVENS or REDSKINS, and be positioned on the right side. He has decent footwork and long arms, but he plays too upright, which is typical of really tall players. I do not see stardom on the horizon for him, but I think he can have an effective career ala MAX STARKS/STEELERS.

          MATTHEWS seems to be rocketing up DRAFT Boards after his stellar senior season and work at the COMBINE and Senior Bowl. Right now he might be the first USC LB to be taken later this month. His size and athleticism are elite. He seems to have natural pass-rush skills, and is physically suited to be a 3-down LB. He should be able to play in either a 3-4, or 4-3 scheme. His size, physical tools and versatility remind me of JULIAN PETERSON/LIONS.

         Calling all 3-4 NFL defenses; I have a sleeper, mid-round gem for  you in POTTER. His height (6’7) and length are ideal to get in the line of vision of all but the tallest of NFL QBs. He was a monster in college at batting down/tipping passes. He even tipped two of them to himself for INTs last season. He weighed 279 at the COMBINE, but looks as though he could add 10+lbs without much difficulty.  He reminds of BRETT KEISEL of the STEELERS.

   

           SHIPLEY is far from an elite prospect, but I think he deserves to be drafted and will reward the team selecting him handsomely. He is strong, smart and tough. He is the kind of guy who gets into the starting lineup by default and then is very hard to move back to the bench. When I watch film of him anchoring the Penn State OL I couldn’t help but be reminded of current NFL scrapper HANK FRALEY/BROWNS.