I have had a few chuckles over the past two weeks at the number of sites that have switched their total emphasis to the 2011 DRAFT already. In my mind we still have quite a bit of info to digest from the 2010 edition of the DRAFT which is just over a month into the books. So here are some odds and ends for your consideration.

    Let’s look at some stats/detail from the 2010 DRAFT, as provided by NFL Media. The DB position (NFL does not break down the difference between CB/S because of position shifting by teams) was the leader again with 52 of the 255 Picks coming at those positions. That’s just over 20% of the total players selected. Conversely, 30 WR were selected overall. To demonstrate how much of a passing League the NFL has become this century, compare the two previous numbers with only 15 RB being chosen. In fact with 13 taken, there were almost as many QB selected as RB.

    Now lets spin a peek at the top colleges in providing talent for this year’s DRAFT. There were no teams providing double-digit Draftees to the League this time around. The FLORIDA program led the way with 9 players selected, while three programs were just behind them with 7 players each: ALABAMA, OKLAHOMA & SOUTHERN CAL.

    Some pretty strong college programs had some relatively small numbers of players chosen relative to the new 3-day format event. It seemed strange to have recent, DRAFT productive programs like WISCONSIN, SOUTH CAROLINA, NORTH CAROLINA & AUBURN each have only two players selected.

    On a college related observation, their paucity of prospect production this year is also indicative of the fact that they all have a lot of talent returning to campus this Fall, and should all be Top 25 ranked programs for the 2010 College season. They should also be very productive when it comes to the 2011 NFL DRAFT.

    Speaking of strong 2011 College Football programs how about BOISE STATE, which had only one player selected this year; KIRBY WILSON/CB/JETS/Round 1. The BRONCOS are loaded with returning players and right now I am just about prepared to proclaim them my No.1 ranked team going into the 2010 season.

   

    If you don’t believe that NFL College Scouting Staffs aren’t amongst the NFL’s hardest workers, consider that of the 255 total Picks this year came form 106 different colleges. And the scouting trips reach out to more and more small schools in search of the best players. My count shows 21 non-D1 schools provided 25 players for the 2010 DRAFT... almost 10% of all the players selected.

    Seemingly, for the umpteenth year in a row the most prolific CONFERENCE in providing DRAFT talent was the SEC, by a pretty wide margin:

49    SEC  (4.08/team)

34    BIG TEN (3.09/team)

31    ACC (2.58/team)

30    BIG TWELVE (2.5/team)

28    PAC TEN (2.8/team)

    I think many would find the BIG 10 in second place as a bit surprising. But that may mean that many of you are down on the BIG 10 and have not been paying attention to a slow, but steady improvement in that Conference the past 5-6 years. And remember, the 11 team Conference is smaller than the 12 team Conferences of the SEC, ACC & BIG 12.

    The most common public alias names are JONES & SMITH according to the hotel industry, but neither one was all that popular during the 2010 DRAFT. Here were the most commonly called last names during the DRAFT proceedings:

WILLIAMS    5

BROWN        4

McCOY        4

THOMAS    4

    Relative to the two top aliases, there were 3 JONES & 3 SMITHs who were DRAFTED in April.

    As happens every year, there are a few players that most of us list as underclassmen who the League actually considers to officially be Seniors. So just to set things straight, the NFL officially lists a total of 46 Underclassmen as having been selected in this year’s DRAFT.

    Now that I look at this posting, and realize how anal some of the info is, perhaps it is time to move on to look at the 2011 DRAFT.

    So, in that vein, here are my TOP 5 QB Prospects for the 2011 DRAFT:

JAKE LOCKER/WASHINGTON

RYAN MALLETT/ARKANSAS

ANDREW LUCK/STANFORD

CHRIS PONDER/FLORIDA STATE

TERRELLE PRYOR/OHIO STATE

    Only LOCKER & PONDER are Seniors

5/13/2010    So the theme for this week’s DRAFTEE break down will be Players on the Spot with their new teams, for a myriad of reasons. Some are very positive scenarios, and others I see destines for disappointment  between player and  team. So let’s get rolling...

ZAC ROBINSON/QB/PATRIOTS    Round 6 Pick 250

So how can I focus on a player who was picked  within 5 slots of becoming MR. IRRELEVANT? I do so because I am hearing things that make me believe that the PATRIOTS may be repeating history, and possibly making a big mistake in the process. I have already heard talk that the organization sees him as much as a Safety candidate as a QB combatant. Since the team doesn’t exactly have a proven back-up for TOM TERRIFIC, I think they had best take a long hard look at the NFL QB potential of ZAC. He surprised some Personnel folks at both the SENIOR BOWL and COMBINE. He displayed a stronger than expected arm and a good understanding of running an Offense and reading the field. He is intelligent and poised. Back in 1987 the PATRIOTS drafted a young man named RICH GANNON, out of nearby DELAWARE. They saw him as a S and shipped him to the VIKINGS when he balked at that thought. He ended up with a 17- year NFL career as a QB, doing some exceptional work leading the RAIDERS before the roof fell in on MR. DAVIS’ franchise.

T.J. WARD/S/BROWNS        Round 2, Pick 38

You could have knocked me over with a feather when WARD was selected by THE EMPEROR and his staff this early in the DRAFT. He is a talented, feisty player who could indeed provide strong leadership for an NFL secondary in a couple of seasons. But his medical background is too risky for such a high selection. At 5’10, 210 lbs. his style of in-the-box play is going to take a heavy toll on his health. Here’s the good news; he could be the next BOB SANDERS. Here’s the bad news; he could be the next BOB SANDERS. SANDERS has been a Pro Bowl caliber player, and leader for the COLTS, but he knocks himself out of action trying to do things a player his size cannot sustain from his body. Remember that SANDERS has played in less than half of his team’s games because of injury over the course of his career. I see no reason to believe that, at best, this will be the case with WARD.

RODGER SAFFOLD/OT/RAMS        Round 2, Pick  33

RODGER will likely be the RAMS most important Rookie. I say that because the No. 1 overall Pick of the 2010 DRAFT, SAM BRADFORD, will need SAFFOLD to step up and protect his blind side while he tries to learn the NFL game, the hard way; under fire, with a bad team. Unless SAFFOLD fits in right away and plays at a higher level than former RAM ALEX BARRON, the investment in BRADFORD by the RAMS could be a very risky proposition. For BRADFORD to do well, and grow, SAFFOLD  will have to his personal bodyguard on the grass. Watch his development carefully in Training Camp if you are a RAMS fan.

JONATHAN DWYER/RB/STEELERS        Round 6, Pick 188

The STEELERS should consider themselves ‘truly blessed’, in the immortal words of TIM TEBOW, that DWYER was sitting on the Draft Board when they came up to Pick late on Saturday. You can point to a multiplicity of reasons for the STEELERS quick demise from Super Bowl champs to  Play-Off pretenders in just one season. But in my opinion there was no bigger reason than their inability to run the ball on Third-and-Short in 2009. DWYER is the STEELERS best chance to replace the battering style that was THE BUS until 2006. That style of power running will be the biggest task for DWYER as a Rookie. If he can blast for 2-3 yards, between the tackles with consistency, then the STEELERS should win more games in 2010, and he will gain more running opportunities, in more varied situations as the weather gets nasty in Pittsburgh in the second half of the season.

CAM THOMAS/DT/CHARGERS            Round 5, Pick 146

Take a quick look at the CHARGERS depth chart at NT, and tell me CAM won’t be starting in that slot by October if not before. With aging/injured JAMAAL LEWIS now being in Denver the Bolts are looking for a strong, athletic player to plug the middle of the DL for them. THOMAS had a decent career at UNC, but could really shine on the nose in a 3-4. He is strong above and below the waist, and has unbridled enthusiasm for the game. He was the most vocal and active practice player on the South DL unit in Mobile back in January. Once again a  mid-Round selection may have a more immediate impact on a team than most of the players taken ahead of him.

ED WANG/OT/BILLS            Round 5, Pick 140

I am not convinced that WANG will have an immediate impact for the BILLS at a position of great need. He is far from a polished player, and is not a superior athlete. But he is  a bright young man, who is still learning the game of football. There is something in his overall play, and his make-up that give me confidence that he will provide value well above his Draft position within a couple of seasons in Buffalo. He has a huge, long frame and seems a lot bigger than his 6’5, 315 lb. numbers might indicate. Every time I stood near him on the practice fields in Mobile this past January I felt dwarfed. He makes just enough good plays to make you believe he has an NFL future... I am guessing at RT.

ARMANTI EDWARDS/QB-/PANTHERS        Round 3, Pick 211

I’m feeling a bit sorry for EDWARDS because I think he is being put in a situation that is ripe with the potential for failure and disappointment. He is a player without a position coming into the NFL. The PANTHERS may be able to manufacture some situations, and packages to try to utilize his varied talents, but the sum of the results will be far less than the 89th player in the DRAFT should deliver for his team. Someone in the Carolina organization could lose their job over this selection. The team had way too many needs to use a 3rd Rounder on a role player. I think they could have gotten their man two rounds later, and flown under the radar with his development.

5/05/2010    Last week we took a look at the “worst” selection in each Round of the 2010 NFL DRAFT. Now let’s try to turn that around, and I will tell you the best Draft value in  each Round... in my opinion.

ROUND 1    PICK 24    DEZ BRYANT/WR            COWBOYS

As you know I have been pretty firm in defending DEZ against some of the “off-field issues” claims made against him this spring. His talent far surpasses the spot at which he was taken. He could move pass ROY WILLIAMS as the COWBOYS second best WR (behind AUSTIN) during Training Camp. It does not thrill me that MICHAEL IRVIN may be his private tutor this Summer, but I guess I’ll give IRVIN the benefit of the doubt... one more time. But I think the organization would be wise to keep DEION at a distance. BRYANT has a strong chance to be very special, and should never have lasted to this slot.

ROUND 2    PICK 48    JIMMY CLAUSEN/QB    PANTHERS

Talk about “herd mentality”... how about a First Round talent, who is as pro-ready as possible coming out of the CHARLIE WEISS offensive system in South Bend, getting questioned all the way from a TOP 10 PIck to the middle of Round 2 because of “leadership” questions.?! If the STEELERS have been able to win rings with BIG BEN, what is there about CLAUSEN that scares the League this much. This is a big break for both the team and the player. The PANTHERS have a solid O with two good RBs. If CLAUSEN and his receivers can develop some rapport early watch this team play ball-control and put up points. What a break for the PANTHERS!

ROUND 3    PICK 73    JOHN JERRY/OG        DOLPHINS

You will never convince me, that despite directives to the contrary from the BIG TUNA, TONY SPARANO and his staff did not fall in love with JERRY while coaching him in Mobile during Senior Bowl Week. JERRY was nothing short of a revelation with his combination of size, strength and footwork playing inside at OG all week. Despite the hoopla (and I do like both guys), I though JERRY outplayed MIKE IUPATI when you watch practice and game tape carefully from that week. JERRY should have been gone late in Round 2, and the DOLPHINS may have just gotten themselves an instant starter, with the kind of size they covet.

ROUND 4    PICK 106    BRUCE CAMPBELL    RAIDERS

A lot of us joked that the RAIDERS would grab CAMPBELL at Pick 9 (overall) after his performance and numbers at the COMBINE in Indy. But he is far too raw to have gone in Round 1. But he is also far too athletic to last into Round 4. I also think this could be a pretty good match-up, having THE CABLE GUY, the former OL Coach, as the head man inOakland. It may take a couple of years for CAMPBELL to be ready to start in the NFL, but I think he will, and that will make this a high value pick for the RAIDERS, with the 8th Pick in Round 4.

ROUND 5    PICK 146    CAM THOMAS/NT        CHARGERS

The CHARGERS dispatched JAMAAL WILLIAMS to the waiver wire after 11 seasons and indications that he is suffering from chronic knee issues. They may have found a clone-like replacement in THOMAS. He may not have big time stats coming out of UNC, but I will defend him by saying that program has had so much talent along their DL since BUTCH DAVIS arrived, that it has been hard for any one player to get enough playing time to really stand out (other than AUSTIN). But I saw a huge body, with good athleticism and an infectious attitude/personality during Senior Bowl Week in Mobile. He never should have lasted this long, and some 3-4 teams who passed on him will be gnashing their teeth in the near future. THOMAS has a chance to make A.J. SMITH look like a Drafting genius... again.

ROUND 6   PICK 175    GREG HARDY/DE        PANTHERS

I will grant you that even I have some concerns over HARDY’s mental make-up, and his recurring foot/ankle issues. But in Round 6, when you see a player, who on his best days has the pass rush potential of DR. PEPPERS (please note I said potential), then you have to pull the trigger. The PANTHERS did so, and now it is the work of JOHN FOX , RON MEEKS & BRIAN BAKER to develop this player’s talent, while molding his mind to the mental toughness and discipline required to start in the NFL. But how many Round 6 Picks do you even expect to make the roster for a year or two? The answer is less than 10%. This Pick has crazy upside value potential.

ROUND 7    PICK 226    GEORGE SELVIE/DE    RAMS

The 12-year career of DE LEONARD LITTLE may be over in St.Louis. And the RAMS may have found a bargain basement buy on a man who reminds me an awful lot of MR. LITTLE on the football field. Two years ago SELVIE was being looked at as a Round One, early entry player into the NFL. Then he got nicked up a bit, and failed to fill out his frame and grow. In 2009 SELVIE has relegated to the shadow of phenom JASON PIERRE-PAUL at USF. When he ran a modest 40-yard dash in Indy, and looked stiff-hipped in drills, most NFL Personnel People decided he could not switch to a 3-4 LB position, and therefore is nothing but a pass-rush specialist, in a 4-3 scheme. I think they are wrong, and in the right situation he can blossom just like LITTLE did. He is strong for his size (6’3/250) and is willing to play the run. If SPAGS plays his cards right, this Pick could look like an absolute steal, and soon.

        I think it’s easier to project the reaches than it is the big value players. But with a bit of patience, mentoring and good coaching I think all these players could look like steals by 2011, if not this season.

4/28/2010    ‘Tis the time of year in the NFL, that some of the things we write and read reside somewhere between pure genius and utter absurdity. So how about an early exercise in analysis that probably falls under the category of “Silly”. How about if I tell you which teams made the worst DRAFT selection in each of the 7 Rounds? Sounds like a effort guaranteed to provoke debate, other than from those who treat it with utter disdain.

ROUND 1    PICK 10     TYSON ALUALU/DT/CAL    by the JAGUARS

Yep, I really do think he will be a solid, contributing player in the League, and perhaps right away. But taking him with this Pick, in a funk because the BILLS took their first option, C.J. SPILLER one Pick before them is not a case of getting maximum value out of the Pick. And you can’t even chalk it up to being a panic pick for need. s/earl thomas would have been a bigger need selection for this team by far. One of the two WR would have been quite helpful to this team. Or better yet, work the phones a bit and trade back at a reasonable price. I’d bet they could have moved back 10 slots, or more and still gotten TYSON.

ROUND 2    PICK 31    PAT ANGERER/LB/IOWA    by the COLTS.

This was a tough choice for me. The selection of at least 4 other guys in this Round seemed like at least 2 Round reaches to me. But even though he will get playing time in some sub defenses and on Special Teams, ANGERER is not the kind of athlete who will earn a starting job anytime soon. He is more athletic than many folks think, as demonstrated by some of his COMBINE numbers, but he is not going to be the next coming of BRACKETT for the POLIANS.

ROUND 3   PICK 89    ARMANTI EDWARDS/QB/WR/RS/APPALACHIAN ST   by the PANTHERS

Just one Round earlier the PANTHERS got the break of the weekend by having JIMMY CLAUSEN fall to them at Pick 48 they trade next year’s 2nd Round Pick to the PATRIOTS to grab an undersized, Wildcat QB. To do what... be a new version of SLASH STEWART? This Pick borders on the insane, and  helps explain why MARTY HURNEY & JOHN FOX (who is a good Coach) may both be looking for jobs at this time next year.

ROUND 4    PICK     KEENAN CLAYTON/LB/OKLAHOMA    by the EAGLES

This Pick is an example of what happens when a team has too many Picks to play with. You feel like you can afford to Draft a Special Teamer and project him as a contributing LB at the NFL level. It’s not going to happen. CLAYTON is going to play Special teams for a few years and disappear from the NFL. I love ANDY REID as a guy, and as a Head Coach (on most Sundays), but reaches like this, year after year, are a big part of why the EAGLES don’t have enough overall star power to win a Super Bowl.

ROUND 5    PICK 167    NATE TRIPLETT/LB/MINNESOTA    by the VIKINGS

It’s harder with each round to pick the biggest reach, because you don’t expect to find many starters back here. But in this case all the vikes have done is select the replacement for HEATH FARWELL, one of their veteran Special Team stars. I guess they figure they can save a bit on player cost, and still have a local guy on the roster for the fans to cheer on. Try taking a flyer on an OL candidate to fatten up positional depth chart next time fellas.

ROUND 6    PICK 176    RUSTY SMITH/QB/FLORIDA ATLANTIC    by the TITANS

Yes i really have seen this guy play, and he is stiff and slow in his decision making. He piled up some decent stats playing in at best, a mid-major program. Look me square in the eyes and tell me Smith is a better NFL prospect than DAN LeFEVOUR, TONY PIKE and JEVAN SNEAD. Is this kid related to some close friend of Owner BUD ADAMS. I ask that, because if not and REINFELDT & FISHER get blame for making this Pick, I am rethinking my opinion of both of those guys as personnel decision makers.

ROUND 7    PICK 215    JEREMY WARE/CB/MICHIGAN STATE    by the RAIDERS

It was a good weekend for the RAIDERS overall. They had potentially their best DRAFT in a decade. But it looked like DARTH DAVIS found his was into the Draft Room just in time for this Pick. WARE blew scouts away with his speed at the Michigan State Pro Day. The problem is, that he had more success on that one day, than he did during his years with the Spartans. It’s never too late to make a Draft mistake on a player who looks better in shorts than shoulder pads.

    OK, for those of you who care at all about this kind of DRAFT minutia, let the debate begin. Send me an e-mail on Picks that you thought were worse than these. If i get enough response we’ll do a reader version of this piece.

4/25/2010    Getting into a full draft blog really eats up the time and energy. So let me present you with some off the wall thoughts that only you die-hards will be interested at a time when you are still trying to learn the names of all your team’s Draft Picks. Here are my top 10 Rookie Free Agents signings as of this morning. There are still some names out there mulling over their choices of which team to sign with, so be ready for Chapter two of this piece sometime later this week.

JEVAN SNEAD/QB/OLE MISS                    BUCCANEERS

Yes the Head Coach is a Defensive guy and they already have installed their young Franchise QB in the person of 2009 No. 1 Pick, JOSH FREEMAN. But SNEAD may have a very interested couple of teachers in Tampa. OC JEFF JAGODZINSKI and QB coach GRAG OLSON will delight in the challenger of unearthing all the seemingly wasted potential of Mr.SNEAD. He has demonstrated on several occasions that he has the arm and overall athleticism to be a top notch QB. Now these two men will try to sort out what went wrong at Ole Miss in 2009. At worst, if develops as many think he can he can net the BUCS a TOP 100 DRAFT Pick in a couple of years.

ANTONIO COLEMAN/E/LB/AUBURN            BILLS

The BILLS are completely reshaping their Defense to a 3-4 scheme, which will mean the purging of more than a few veteran players once Training Camp gets underway. COLEMAN has a high-rev motor and the ability to pressure the pocket. Many of us doubt he has the body flexibility to stand up as an OLB in a 3-4, but only time will tell. At worst they should be able to find some opportunities to put him on the field in obvious passing situations. I think COLEMAN will make it hard or the BILLS to not find him a roster spot with his 4quarters energy.

BALIR WHITE/WR/MICHIGAN STATE        COLTS

There’s quite a list of receivers above WHITE on the COLTS roster right now. But I just have the feeling that his sure hands and crisp route running will endear him to MR. PEYTON  pretty quickly. I also think that he will be first in line when MANNING wants to work on a few extra things after practices. He may not make his mark in 2010, but if the colts can hide him somewhere from other teams, I think it is just a matter of time until he is the No.3-4 wideout in Indy. He would also save the team some money working for minimum wage for his first couple of years in the League.

STEFON JOHNSON/RB/RS/USC                TITANS

In my mind the only reason this guy wasn’t a mid-Round Pick is because of his throat injury and the questions on how much risk there is he takes a few hots around his rebuild larynx. And that’s a darn important question! But if he is fit enough to play the TITANS have themselves a versatile, multi-talented player, who is super motivated to make it in the NFL. He is not the blur of speed that CHRIS JOHNSON is (who is for that matter), but he is tough and versatile. He returns kicks and Punts,; catches well out of the backfield; will block in pass pro; could be a gunner on coverage teams; and should be a solid Red Zone running option. It seemed to me in watching Trojan games in ’07 & ’08, JOHNSON got most of the clutch carries in that crowded USC RB stable.

FREDDIE BARNES/WR/BOWLING GREEN        DA BEARS

I’m liking this guys chances in Chicago because of the installation of the MIKE MARTZ passing Offense. More than speed and athleticism, his system requires high football IQ, non-stop energy, precise route running, good hands  and the ability to think on your feet and read the secondary. Say hello to FREDIE BARNES. That is his game and if his knees are not a chronic problem then he could be a MARTZ/CUTLER favorite in fairly short order. BARNES can be the RICKEY PROEHL who complimented BRUCE/HOLT so well in St. Louis. Now if DA BEARS just had anyone as good as BRUCE/HOLT.

SEJI AJIROTUTU/WR/FRESNO STATE            CHARGERS

The way A.J. SMITH runs his Drafts and rosters, his team needs to hit on a half-dozen RFA each year to fill out the roster. SMITH did some roster cleaning at the WR position this off-season discarding BYRD & OSGOOD, and probably has former R1 Pick BUSTER DAVIS on a real short leash heading into Training Camp. I think SEJI may be the mot likely Rookie to crack the roster and contribute as perhaps the N. 4 receiver. He has a nice combination of size and speed, and is strong battling for balls with defenders. That sounds to me like a PHILLIP RIVERS kind of guy. Despite QB issues this past year, coming out of a PAT HILL passing game system in Fresno has him well prepared for the NFL. He looks like he could also pick up some of the Special Teams slack from the departed OSGOOD.

COLIN PEEK/TE/ALABAMA                            FALCONS

Most times the success of a RFA greatly depends on being in the right place, at the right time. Such might be the case for PEEK, who began his college career across town at GA TECH. PEEK is an all-around TE who can catch and block. He was a key piece of the Championship formula at “BAMA last season. I think his opportunity is huge in Atlanta to at least be the third TE on the roster next fall. The FALCONS did not Draft a TE, and after GONZALEZ & HARTSOCK there is no one with a job locked up. If PEEK can protect his QB with some chop blOcks and find a role or two o Special Teams this August he could well be a FALCON next September.

SIMONI LAWRENCE/OLB/MINNESOTA            RAMS

At first glance any Rookie should have a chance with this team because the roster is so talent challenged. But conversely on a really poor team it is easy to get lost in the shuffle of huge numbers competing for a roster slot. Quite often the player who’s hot in Training Camp makes the team and then is cut by October, for lack of overall talent. LAWRENCE plays LB, which is one of the weakest, thinnest positions on the roster. He is also built to be a Special Teams standout with a nice size/speed combination. As a former JC Safety he has lots to learn, but if they’re smart the Rams Coaches will take that aspect of his play into account in evaluating him. He is an athletic fit, at a position of need , with the ST aptitude to earn his keep for a couple of years as he learns to be an NFL LB.

JEFF BYERS/G/C/USC                                    SEA HAWKS

Three things about BYERS should jump out at you right away just by looking at his info in the line above. He played for Coach CARROLL in SoCal. The HAWKS didn’t Draft any interior  OL this year. BYERS can play any of the 3 interior OL positions. Having 3 reasons to have a shot at making a roster as a RFA is a very good thing. BERS is a smart player, with 6 years of college ball behind him. He is a bit undersized and has an injury history, but if he stays on the field through all of Training Camp he has a solid chance to make the team as a versatile interior back-up.

ALBERT McCLELLAN/DE/OLB/MARSHALL            RAVENS

The RAVENS had a solid DRAFT, which included high Picks on the DL and LB, but ALBERT has two desirable traits for the type of wide open, multi-look Defensive scheme that the RAVENS still run, even with REX in NYC. He has defined pass-rush skills based on a natural burst off the ball,  good balance, and non-stop pursuit speed. He can most likely adjust to spending some time with his hand on the ground, as well as standing up. The RAVENS Front 7 on D is up for an infusion of new talent, after losing some vets to FA movement again. This versatile typer of player will have several chances to show the team he deserves a roster spot and can contribute right away.

    There are my first ten RFA potential gems. I’ll add to this list on a weekly basis, at least, while signings continue to be announced. For you hard core DRAFTNIKS and NFL fans I know this kind of detail profiling is just as important, and interesting, as hashing over who your team actually Drafted. Remember, in September many NFL rosters will include 2-3 RFA, in addition to another half-dozen stashed on Practice Squads.

4/22/2010        And so Day One, Round One of the 2010 NFL DRAFT is over, and in well under 4 hours. I’ll have plenty of commentary and observations, while I lick my wounds after a very surprising (just this side of bizarre at times) First Round. But first let me give you the best players still on my Value Board. I am prefacing the name with my final Regardless Rankings.

13. 13)   JIMMY CLAUSEN/QB/NOTRE DAME
    

16)    SERGIO KINDLE/OLB/TEXAS

20. 20)   TAYLOR MAYS/S/LB/USC
    

28. 28)   CARLOS DUNLAP/DE/FLORIDA
    

34. 34)   ARRELIOUS BENN/WR/ILLINOIS
    

35. 35)    GOLDEN TATE/WR/NOTRE DAME
    

36. 36)    EVERSON GRIFFEN/DE/USC
    

37. 37)    CHARLES BROWN/OT/USC
    

38. 38)    BRUCE CAMPBELL/OT/MARYLAND
    

39. 39)    TERRENCE CODY/DT/ALABAMA
    

41. 41)    VLADIMIR DUCASSE/OG/UMASS
    

42. 42)    KOA MSI/OLB/UTAH
    

43. 43)    COLT McCOY/QB/TEXAS
    

44. 44)    TOBY GERHART/RB/STANFORD
    

45. 45)    BRANDON SPIKES/ILB/FLORIDA
    

46. 46)    DAMIAN WILLIAMS/WR/USC
    

47. 47)    ROB GRONKOWSKI/TE/ARIZONA
    

48. 48)    BRIAN PRICE/DT/UCLA
    

49. 49)    RODGER SAFFOLD/OT/INDIANA
    

51. 51)     COREY WOOTTON/DE/NORTHWESTERN
    

53. 53)   DARYL WASHINGTON/OLB/TCU
    

54. 54)    NATE ALLEN/S/SOUTH FLORIDA
    

55. 55)    RICKY SAPP/OLB/CLEMSON
    

56. 56)    JONATHAN DWYER/RB/GA TECH
    

57. 57)    JOHN JERRY/OG/OLE MISS
    

58. 58)    BRANDON LaFELL/WR/LSU
    

59. 59)    ERIC NORWOOD/OLB/SOUTH CAROLINA
    

60. 60)    BEN TATE/RB/AUBURN
    

61. 61)    JOE McKNIGHT/RB/USC
    

62. 62)    MARDY GILYARD/WR/CINCINNATI
    

63. 63)    PERRISH COX/CB/RS/OKLAHOMA STATE
    

64. 64)    DOMINIQUE FRANKS/CB/OKLAHOMA
    

65. 65)    TONY PIKE/QB/CINCINNATI
    

4/21/2010        It’s DRAFT DAY eve, which for many of us is as good, or better, than Christmas Eve in many ways. And this year DRAFT Week is a combination of Christmas and HANUKKAH with it’s multiple days. So since it will be a toss-and-turn night I want to try to get my mind into a relaxed, positive mood so I can compose a diligent and thoughtful final MOCK DRAFT tomorrow morning. So in keeping with that positive mindset I am going to give you a short list of players who I think have fallen in their DRAFT status over the past two months because they aren’t as good in shorts as they are in pads. So my message is; go back and look at some game film folks, because if  these guys don’t go early Saturday and are still sitting on the Draft Board in Round 6 your team has a great chance at getting a steal.

DANARIO ALEXANDER/WR/MISSOURI/6’5/215

He can’t be considered an elite TOP 100 wideout because of a lack of burning speed, and his limited college playing time. But if you have watched him play, when he is 100% healthy, then you realize what a threat he is with his ability to reach over defenders to make catches. Like many tall players he also picks up speed and separation from defenders as he stretches the field. I say he’s a Round 4 guy, who will be a Red Zone threat for a while and could develop into a No.2/3 receiver in a year or two on a team like the CHARGERS or PATRIOTS whose QBs like to stretch the field regularly.

antonio coleman/DE/OLB/AUBURN/6’ 1 1/2”/255

The concern with COLEMAN is that he is obviously undersized for an NFL DE, and lacks the speed or agility to transition to an OLB slot in the League. I won’t specifically argue with either concern as he is considered for the first 3 Rounds. But once into Saturday I think he brings high value to many teams, because he has a very high rev motor. In 3 Auburn games I watched last season he was just as relentless with his play in the 4th Quarter as the First. He also has the innate pass-rush moves that some players never learn. He may be able to stand-up with time as well. But for a team looking for a pass rush weapon... meet MR. COLEMAN!

A.J. EDDS/OLB/IOWA/6’4/245

I saw it watching Iowa games last fall, and confirmed in Mobile in January... this kid is special at dropping into space and providing Safety-like pass coverage. No he doesn’t rush the QB particularly well, and he’s just average in run support, but almost every team in the League is always looking for LBs that can cover receivers sitting down short out of the backfield or slot on 3rd down passing situations.  That is EDDS  defensive specialty and he brings the added dimension of seeing the field well and diagnosing plays. This should put him in high demand by Round 4.

JAVARRIS JAMES/RB/MIAMI (F)/6’0/212

“THE EDGE’S” cousin isn’t a sexy prospect, but he does a little bit of everything well as a RB. He shows good burst to and through the hole, though not blazing overall speed. This might lend itself best to zone blocking scheme teams in the League. He seems comfortable in space finding and catching the ball, and turns it upfield quickly. He also shows an understanding of the responsibility of a RB in pass-pro.  With decent size to go with the  aforementioned attributes, I just can’t see why he wouldn’t appeal to some NFL team in the 5th Round, not 7th as many have suggested.

MARSHALL NEWHOUSE/OG/TCU/6’4/320

Many have argued that MARSHALL was a solid OT in college, but lacks the footwork to play outside in the NFL. And I agree with them. Which is why I have listed him as an OG since seeing his work in person the week of the Shrine Game in Orlando. I think he can be a dominant inside player as a pro. His quickness and speed were most impressive for his size during drills at the COMBINE in Indy. He clocked as the third fastest OL Group player in the 40-yard dash. It may take a year or two of coaching, but I believe he has the potential to become a starting OG and play well for a decade in the League.

JEVAN SNEAD/QB/OLE MSS/6’3/219

I don’t like to make excuses for players at any level. But in football, as in life, shit happens sometimes. And that best describes what happened to JEVAN in Oxford last year in my opinion. There was conflict within the Offensive Coaching staff, which includes HC NUTT. I saw very little coaching going on for JEVAN during games, and in some games his offensive line was brutal in their feeble attempts to protect him. He is a big kid, with a strong arm who will need a patient QB Coach to nurture him for a couple of years. But at the cost of an early Saturday Pick some team could end up with a potential starting QB in a couple of  years. Don’t forget SNEAD on Saturday if your team needs a new QB in training.

    Please note that I am not suggesting any of these players be Drafted until Saturday, which begins Round 4. But the NFL is filled with good players who were selected in the middle Rounds, and these six could be a solid part of that next wave.

4/10/21010         I’ve been watching tape and tapping my imagination to come up with another group of players who I am comfortable  with in making some comparisons and saying     He Reminds Me Of...

    JIMMY CLAUSEN/QB/NOTRE DAME/6’3/225                MARK SANCHEZ/JETS

Just take a serious look at the size and attributes of these two young QBs and tell me they aren’t pretty much the same guy. Both were helped by playing in a Pro Style college offense. They each have OK size for their position as Pros with decent athleticism to roll the pocket and avoid the pass-rush, when healthy. Both arms are slightly above average and they are solid with their accuracy. I think CLAUSEN would do quite well starting right away on a solid team where the weight of the entire Offense is not thrown on his shoulders.  Some of the criticism leveled at CLAUSEN is backlash from DOME-haters, and folks who were rubbed the wrong way by WEISS as the ND Head Coach.                         RANK 13/ROUND 1

    ANTHONY DAVIS/OT/RUTGERS/6’5/325                    VERNON CAREY/DOLPHINS

DAVIS is an exceptional athlete for his size and has tons of pro potential. He also seems immature and lazy at times. Like CAREY his size/skill package is just too good to pass up, but the team who takes him will need to be ready to do a bit of baby sitting and nurturing. I also think he may end up doing his best work at RT, because despite his athleticism his feet seem a bit slow to protect a QB’s back side as a LT.  He is not quite as elite as his size would indicate. So let’s take him in the middle of Round 1, and be patient while he grows up a bit, like CAREY has.                        RANK 20/ROUND 1

       A.J. EDDS/OLB/IOWA/6’4/245                                        NA’IL DIGGS/RAMS 

EDDS is something that you don’t see much of in the League these days. He’s a player who will make his living as a pass-cover LB whose best place is out in space. He is a decent tackler, and will provide run support to the best of his ability, but it is out in space where he really shines. He is not a pass rushing threat. His skills also make him more likely to fit in with a 4-3 scheme, though he could see limited time in a 3-4. DIGGS just signed with the RAMS pushing his carer to ten years, doing the kinds of things that EDDS will bring with him to the NFL.                RANK 115/ROUND 4

    BRANDON GRAHAM/DE/LB/MICHIGAN/6’1/263                DWIGHT FREENEY/COLTS

Even though I think we’ll  more likely to see GRAHAM as an OLB in a 3-4 scheme in the pros than with his hand on the ground, I am convinced he can have the impact of FREENEY very soon. There was a lot of skepticism when the COLTS drafted DWIGHT in Round 1 back in 2002. He was too small for his game to translate to the NFL, most said. But his non-stop motor, exceptional quickness and  natural pass-rush moves were a perfect fit for the COLTS pursuit based D, and those traits are exactly what GRAHAM brings to the party.  What position GRAHAM plays will depend on the team who selects him, but I sense that he will be successful in either role and will become a big time edge pass-rush threat for some team.  

                                                                 RANK 23/ROUND 1

    MATT TENNANT/OC/BOSTON COLLEGE/6’4/295                        BEN HAMILTON/BRONCOS

TENNANT comes to the DRAFT riding the wake of some solid OL prospects out of B.C. this past decade. He is slightly undersized by NFL standards, but is very athletic and mobile. He is quick on his feet and pays until the whistle blows. He gained a lot of cred for his play in Mobile back in January. He will earn high marks for his ability to potentially play multiple positions... probably everywhere but LT. He’s best suited for a West Coast offense, that employs a zone blocking scheme. He reminds me greatly of HAMILTON who has similar size and athleticism, and has forged a solid career in the Mile High City splitting time between G/C since being a 4th Rounder in 2001.                    RANK 143/ROUND 5

    DARYL WASHINGTON/OLB/TCU/6’2/230                            ROCKY McINTOSH/REDSKINS

WASHINGTON has parlayed a fine senior season into some serious cache’ heading into the DRAFT. He is a very fluid, active athlete who will need to move outside in the pros primarily because of his lack of bulk. Although I would not rule him out as a  3-4 Backer, his best chance for immediate NFL success would most logically be as a Weak-side LB in a 4-3 scheme. McINTOSH has been a nice starting player for the ‘SKINS the past 4 seasons.  DARYL’s  frame looks to be maxed out at 230 lbs., so teams should not assume he will grow into another spot as a pro.                     RANK 53/ROUND 2

    DAN WILLIAMS/DT/TENNESSEE/6’2/330                            PAT WILLIAMS/VIKINGS

WILLIAMS is one of those athletic big men, sometimes referred to as dancing elephants. He has much better mobility and athleticism than you might expect from such a thick body. He could play the Nose in a 3-4 scheme and forge a good NFL career. But he might be best suited for a 4-3 scheme beside an athletic 3-Technique DT. PAT has had a monster second half of his career since being teamed with KEVIN in Minnesota. In fact, the VIKES wouldn’t miss a beat replacing the 37-year old PAT with DAN to team with KEVIN. Dream on VIKINGS fans. Minnesota has other more immediate needs to fill with their First Rounder and DAN will most likely be gone before they pick.                 RANK 21/ROUND 1

 

4/08/2010        With exactly two weeks to go until the 2010 NFL DRAFT here are some more players who have striking similarities to current  NFL players when I look at them in   PART 6 of        He Reminds Me Of...

    MONTARIO HARDESTY/RB/TENNESSEE/6’0/225            RYAN GRANT/PACKERS

HARDESTY got a big boost from the brief LANE KIFFIN coaching stay in Knoxville. His solid senior season has him back on the radar as a Top 100 Prospect. He is a slashing, one-cut between the Tackles runner with decent hands to catch a few balls out of the backfield. He is a good balance player who gets extra yards by breaking DB tackles. He is not a break-away runner, but will be useful in the Red Zone. He reminds me a lot of GRANT in his style of running, and physical attributes. GRANT is coming off 2 straight 1,000-yard seasons and averages a bit over 4 ypc. Both players have been nicked by injuries occasionally, but that comes with their style of running.            RANK 83/ROUND 3

    STAFON JOHNSON/RB/USC/5’11/215                                CHESTER TAYLOR/BEARS

Another solid Back who, like TAYLOR, can be part of a two-back rotation in the NFL. He is not a HR threat, but he is tough and has quick-cut ability. He can be a Return Specialist and a very solid Red Zone weapon in the Pros. He is a natural ‘hands-catcher’ and can gain yards after the catch with his shiftiness. The biggest question on JOHNSON is the medical risk of a player with a rebuilt larynx. If he can be cleared as physically healthy he can be a solid contributor to a running rotation with multiple skills, just like TAYLOR.                                    RANK 149    ROUND 4/5

    TED LARSEN/OC/N.C. STATE/6’2/305                                JEFF SATURDAY/COLTS

Just like SATURDAY, I think LARSEN has a career in the NFL with the right team, because of his toughness and determination. Some of that toughness comes from his early years on the DL. He looks to be maxed out at his current weight, so he needs to get into a West Coast scheme, where he can make up for his lack of overall size with smarts and solid technique. In fact, I could see him being a late Rounder for the COLTS and being in a position to take over for SATURDAY in a season or two. He’s also similar to the PACKS’ SCOTT WELLS.            RANK 215/ROUND 6

    COREY PETERS/DT/KENTUCKY/6’3/300                            TANK JOHNSON/BENGALS

PETERS has been a solid force on the Wildcats DL over the past 4 seasons with little fanfare. He has shown improvement every season in college. His size and style of play indicate he could be a contributor in an NFL DT rotation, in a 4-3 scheme. It is not inconceivable that he could even spend a few seasons as a starter in a couple of years, like TANK. He is fairly mobile, and relatively quick in a short area of the field. He gets occasional push into the pocket, but I would not expect to see his Sack count be very high. An intriguing aspect to his game in college has been his ability to account for Batted Balls on opposing QBs. Even though his size and style of play reminds me of THE TANK, let me make it clear that I am not aware of any off-field baggage from PETERS. Nice potential Value Pick on Day 3.        RANK 218/ROUND 5/6

    DENNIS PITTA/TE/BYU/6’4/245                                            BRENT CELEK/EAGLES

PITTA has been a pass catching machine, thanks to soft, reliable hands, for BYU during his time there. The former Walk-On has caught 204 balls over the past 3 seasons in the Cougars wide open attack. But he came back for his senior season a stronger player than in the past, and showed improvement as a blocker. He has a ways to go on that front, but he is now more than just a big receiver. Just like CELEK, who has been a pleasant surprise for the EAGLES, PITTA has enough all-around game to be a starting TE in an NFL West Coast scheme in a year or two. If he lasts into Saturday of this year’s DRAFT there could be a feeding frenzy to select him. Like many Mormon athletes he is overaged (25 already) due to a two-year Mission, but that should not be a big deterrent to a NFL team selecting him.         RANK 109/ROUND 3/4

    MAURKICE POUNCEY/OC/FLORIDA/6’4/305                    NICK MANGOLD/JETS

POUNCEY is rated as the top OC Prospect by a wide margin this year. He is big,  with good athleticism for an interior OL player. Like MANGOLD, he is not huge, but relies on functional strength and athleticism to handle his position. POUNCEY is also considered to have the mental capacity needed to make the OL calls. Just like MANGOLD, I think POUNCEY should be Drafted in Round One and inserted into his Pro team’s starting line-up on the first day of Training Camp this summer. Barring injury, once once in a starting role it will be a decade before his position becomes a concern again for his team.  

                                                            RANK 26/ROUND 1 (LATE)

    GEORGE SELVIE/DE/SOUTH FLORIDA/6’5/247                 AARON SCHOBEL/BILLS

Every thing I read and hear indicates that Pro Personnel People have pretty much reached consensus that SELVIE does not have the feet, or hip turn flexibility to transition to an OLB position for the Pro game. Because of his fairly lean frame this means many teams have moved him way down their Draft Boards thinking he is too lean to play the DE position. Not so fast my friends! I will readily admit that his limitations make him a big reach early in the DRAFT, but I think many personnel people, moving him down to Rounds 4/5 are making a big mistake, especially if their team runs a 4-3 scheme. The  NFL career of SCHOBEL is an example of how SELVIE can make his mark in the NFL. SCHOBEL, at 245 lbs., has had a 9-year NFL career with 4 seasons of 10 or more Sacks and 78 career sacks in Buffalo. Though not DL anchors both SCHOBEL and SELVIE can hold their own against the run if playing on the weak-side of the formation. As long as he’s the lightest guy in a 4-Man Front I think SELVIE has higher value than many are  currently giving him credit for. He could cause a trading frenzy if his name is still on Draft Boards when Round 3 ends on Friday night/Saturday morning.          RANK 118/ROUND 3/4

  

4/05/2010        Let’s move along with Part 5 of my series of   He Reminds Me Of...

    MARDY GILYARD/WR/RS/CINCINNATI/6’0/185                JOHNNIE LEE HIGGINS/RAIDERS

Opinions have varied greatly on the Pro potential of GILYARD this past year. He had a tough week of practice in Mobile, but somewhat redeemed himself in the actual game. It seems to me tat his true potential, and style of play, may be accurately assessed in looking at the work of HIGGINS with the RAIDERS. They both ran fast in pads, and have enough elusiveness to turn short passes into long gains. They also have better than average return ability because of their speed/quickness combo. I also doubt if either ever earns a starting receiver spot in the NFL. Like HIGGINS, GILYARD will be a 3rd receiver option, who may contribute more to his pro team in the return game.        RANK 57/ROUND 3

    GREG HARDY/DE/OLE MISS/6’4/279                            TRENT COLE/EAGLES

HARDY is going to have to prove his foot problems can be resolved as a pro, and show a more consistent want-to in his play, but from a skill and physical build standpoint he is very similar to the underrated COLE. He is athletic, and pursues the ball well when healthy. He is also a natural pass-rush DE who finds ways to get to the QB. COLE is considered to be undersized, but at 6’3/270 he is pretty close to HARDY’s size. For a team with a 4-3 front, and a pursuit TAMPA-2 type D scheme, a healthy and motivated HARDY can provide quality play similar to cole who gave the EAGLES 12.5 Sacks and held his own against the running game in 2009. It’s all about attitude with HARDY, and in that sense this seems to be a shaky comparison on my part.                                                            RANK 66/ROUND 3

    AUSTEN LANE/DE/MURRAY STATE/6’6/276            PARICK KERNEY/SEA HAWKS

Coming from his college level of play will require a team to be patient with LANE  for a year or so, while he gains functional strength and adds discipline to his game. But, like KERNEY, he should become a lean, long, but strong penetrating DE in a 4-3 scheme. ERNEY has a rep for his pass rush, but he also played a solid game against the run with his functional strength. LANE should be able to duplicate that style of play. There is more to LANE’s game than just pass rush, as indicated by his 41.5 TFL in his last two years at MURRAY. But NFL Personnel People still love his 23 Sacks in the last two years. Level of competition is a concern, but he showed he can play with the big boys during a solid week in Mobile, and some solid athletic numbers in Indy at the COMBINE.                        RANK 110/ROUND 4 (early)

    GERALD McCOY/DT/OKLAHOMA/6’4/295                    TOMMIE HARRIS/BEARS

It’s always a little risky to make comparisons from the same College program (‘cause it seems too easy), but in this case I think the match sticks. HARRIS was a top prospect coming out of Oklahoma, coveted as an inside guy who could penetrate and disrupt the pocket. That is exactly what some pro teams see as McCOY’s primary asset. In fact a few teams even see him sliding out to DE at times. I cannot see him as a 5-Technique because he has a relatively lean build and needs to be allowed to play beside a bulky Nose-technique, allowing him the chance to penetrate and cover only one gap in his run responsibility.

If he is as good as HARRIS, then some team will have a Pro Bowler on their roster by taking McCOY. The main disappointment in HARRIS’ career has been the plethora of injuries recently.        RANK 3/ROUND 1 (TOP 5)

    RUSSELL OKUNG/OT/OKLAHOMA ST/6’5/305                CHRIS SAMUELS/REDSKINS

OKUNG is not a dominant OT like JON OGDEN or JOE THOMAS, but he is athletic and has good skills in the run game, as well as nimble enough feet to be a very solid pass-protector at LT in the NFL. He shows good football IQ and should be receptive to NFL coaching as they try to ratchet up his intensity level.  I chose SAMUELS, because he had a nice solid career, but was not dominant enough to deserve to go to the Pro Bowl every year. That package may be what OKUNG brings to his future NFL team. SAMUELS was criticized at times for not being overpowering, but he was the ‘SKINS best all-around OL for the past 10 years. In the NFL that performance is worth a TOP 10 DRAFT slot.            RANK  5/ROUND 1 (TOP 10)

    BRANDON SPIKES/ILB/FLORIDA/6’3/250                    CHANNING CROWDER/DOLPHINS

SPIKES has been exposed over the past few months as not being quite the athlete many supposed he was watching him fly around the past 3 years in the Florida D. But it must also be said that he brings passion, and a real feel for the game to the field with him. He may need to tune down his passion a bit (see eye-gauging incident in ’09), but that intensity that he has is sadly lacking in many NFL players today. CHANNING  is similar in his passion and intensity, and despite being athletically limited, has been a very productive Inside guy in NFL 3-4 schemes for 5 seasons. SPIKES was always around the ball in college, and I think in the proper role with an NFL 3-4 Defense he will do the same in the NFL, just like CROWDER has. I say he still finds ways to make more big plays than you might expect.            RANK 45/ROUND 2

4/02/2010        I’d like to save some of you about $8.00 unless I am too late. Early this week I came across a newcomer to the DRAFT Magazine market: 2010 NFL DRAFT PREVIEW by USA TODAY SPORTS. I bought a copy and have been looking at it off and on ever since. It has some interesting content from multiple DRAFT staples such as TONY PAULINE, WALTER FOOTBALL, THE HUDDLE, etc. And to tell you the truth if something of mine were in there I’d feel a bit differently. But since I am not I can be brutally honest.

        The material is basically compilations from stuff that you can get for free if you surf the Internet on a regular basis. It is also dated since the mocks and player lists printed therein are well over a month old already. A better title for this mag might be “the best of DRAFT articles previously appearing at USA Today.com/sports.” Lots of outdated MOCKS and frilly, but less than insightful profiles and featurettes.

        If you have more money than time, then this mag could be worth it for some of you. You can read it as you commute home if you cannot surf the web yourself.  But I would have to rank it as a ‘Dick & Jane’ early reader for casual DRAFT fans. For you real DRAFTNIKS save the $7.99, plus tax.

        I won’t be buying the second edition next year, if there is one... unless they call to advise me they’ll be featuring something of mine in there.

3/31/2010    As the clock ticks inexorably closer to the April 22nd NFL DRAFT we have to keep rolling with Prospect comparisons, with Part 4 of

                                                                                    HE REMINDS ME OF...

    DEZ BRYANT/WR/OKLAHOMA STATE/6’2/225                        MICHAEL CRABTREE/49‘ERS

Yes, I am going with this obvious comparison and it has only to do with on-field, not off-field similarities. Neither player is an absolute speedster, but can dodge and weave away from, or power through defenders for big plays. Their hands look huge when wrapping around the ball even though DEZ doesn’t quite hit the magical 10” range (9 3/4”). They both excel at taking the ball away from defenders even when they don’t get great separation. I am willing to write off BRYANT’s problems with the NCAA because they are related to Svengali SANDERS, and I think the NCAA acted with their usual righteous indignation rather than trying to understand BRYANT’s perspective on things. I keep flashing back to ZAC ROBINSON telling me in Mobile what a hard working, football loving player BRYANT was. I’m keeping the faith and saying there’s not a WR  prospect in this year’s DRAFT that is close to BRYANT’s potential.            RANK 6/ROUND 1

        BRYAN BULAGA/OT/IOWA/6’5/315                            JAMAAL BROWN/SAINTS

BULAGA has limited upside, because of the fine OL coaching under KIRK FERENTZ and his staff at IOWA, and the fact that his frame is pretty much maxed out. So, he is not a very glamorous Prospect, which was true of BROWN coming out of OKlahoma. But like BROWN, I think he takes his talents, and determination and becomes a starter right away, and flirts with Pro Bowl selection for the next 10 seasons in the NFL. More than a few folks thought the SAINTS Super Bowl push was doomed early in the year when BROWN went down for the count. Luckily, the team persevered, but that should give you an idea how valuable a steady LT is to a right handed throwing QB in the league. BULAGA is the kind of solid Prospect who will help keep your QB upright, and the Coaching Staff smiling.    RANK 10/ROUND 1

    JERMAINE GRESHAM/TE/OKLAHOMA/6’5/260                TONY GONZALEZ/FALCONS

I’m out on a limb here, just because TONY is arguably the best TE in the modern era of football. But when healthy, I see  GRESHAM having the same physical tools as GONZALEZ. He already uses his large hands and long arms to haul in anything near him just like GONZALEZ, and turns upfield smoothly after the catch. I don’t think GRESHAM is a finished product as a blocker, but he is better than he gets credit for, and will get better, as did GONZALEZ, once in the League. On the assumption that his knee is 100% then someone looking to get an elite TE in this DRAFT need look no further.  

                                                                     RANK 19/ROUND 1

    COLT McCOY/QB/TEXAS/6’1/215                                DREW BREES/SAINTS

I think I am in touch with my feminine side today as I write this comparison. If you read my stuff regularly, you know I have been skeptical of COLT’s pro potential. But that is exactly how BREES  was viewed coming out of Purdue. There were more Personnel People than will admit to it, who at the time thought he went too high at the top of the Second Round. And many more felt that way after his Rookie year in San Diego. I still have my doubts on COLT, but I cannot find fault with his football IQ and dedication to his craft. And he does have at least an average arm. In a couple of seasons, under good/patient coaching, he can probably be a successful starter in a balanced West Coast system, if surrounded by good talent. Anyone expecting him to carry a team, and do it any time soon, is sadly mistaken however.            RANK 40/ROUND 2

    DERRICK MORGAN/DE/GA TECH/6’3/266                JOHN ABRAHAM/FALCONS   

The most important similarities between these two players are their high-rev motor, and an inherent ability to rush the QB. And those traits are highly sought after in the NFL. MORGAN might be able to switch to a 3-4 scheme, with his hand off the ground, but like ABRAHAM (who briefly tried the switch) I think the better bet is to add a few more lbs. of muscle and put a strong LB behind him in a 4-3 scheme, then turn him loose to pursue the ball and the QB. Hopefully, MORGAN can avoid some of the injuries that have plagued ABRAHAM’s career, but JOHN will be starting his 11th season in he NFL this year and has 89.5 career sacks. If that’s what lies ahead for MORGAN let the bidding begin.        RANK 9/ROUND 1

    KYLE WILSON/CB/RS/BOISE STATE/5’10/195                CORTLAND FINNEGAN/TITANS

FINNEGAN may have been the DRAFT steal of the last decade as a 7th Rounder in 2006. WILSON is much more highly regarded coming out of Boise this year. But my point is they are pretty much the same player: slightly undersized but quick and fast, with a feisty/nasty disposition. They both also display the ability to make big plays when they get their hands on an  INT, or return a Punt. WILSON seems to have that same edginess to his game that gets under the skin of receivers, and gets them off their game and concentration. They are both the kind of player who you love to have on your roster, but you hate to play against. WILSON won’t get lost until Round 7 though.            RANK 28/ROUND 1 (late)

3/27/2010        Let’s roll with Part 3 of                             HE REMINDS ME OF...  

    GENO ATKINS/DT/GEORGIA/6’1/293                        MIKE PATTERSON/EAGLES

The first thing you notice looking at a profile of ATKINS is his height, at just over 6-feet, and his weight at a pumped up 293. When you watch him on film you notice his quickness, hand strength and pursuit speed and hustle. He can penetrate and disrupt the backfield as a 3-technique if he plays next to a bulky, two gap guy like his Georgia teammate JEFF OWENS. That is exactly the kind of player PATTERSON has been for the EAGLES. Not a likely Pro Bowler, but a productive starter in a rotation system. ATKINS will be best served, and get the most interest from teams like the EAGLES, BUCS, COLTS who play a 4-3 pursuit scheme. He might also have a shot, with time, as in ILB in a 3-4 if he loses about 20 lbs., but that is obviously a long-shot, and would require much patience. On Day 3 he could be a nice Value Pick for the right team. It hurts his Draft status that there will only be a half-dozen teams whose schemes he fits in.            RANK 102/ROUND 4

    SAM BRADFORD/QB/OKLAHOMA/6’4/235                    PHILLIP RIVERS/CHARGERS

I love the new look BRADFORD at 235 lbs. Assuming he passes all his medical exams and a throwing display, I would rank him as the top QB Prospect for the 2010 DRAFT. But he is not the big armed, gunslinger who is sure to be a future franchise changer. I think his new size and skill set remind of RIVERS quite a bit. He does not have a classic NFL throwing motion all the time, but displays good accuracy and reads the field well. He does not have RIVERS outgoing, sometimes abrasive personality, which should be a plus. But I have no doubt he has the personality to be a leader on the field. He may have to sit a year or two (like RIVERS) to hone his game to the pro level. Like RIVERS, in a couple of seasons he could take over as starter and lead a good team to Play-Off contention for ten years.        RANK 6/TOP 10 Pick

    RYAN MATHEWS/RB/FRESNO STATE/6’0/220            CLINTON PORTIS/REDSKINS

MATHEWS has the build and running style of PORTIS. He has enough speed to break loose and occasionally turn the corner, but his bread and butter will be running between the Tackles and getting into the end zone. Like PORTIS he has incredible balance, and the ability to stay on his feet after taking hits from defenders. His college Yards-After-Contact numbers are huge and will be so in the NFL. He has not been asked to catch the ball much in college, but he has shown good hands and  a natural catching style in space during work-outs. If you like the way PORTIS plays on Sundays then I am guessing you’d enjoy watching MATHEWS play for your team. Could be a solid Fantasy Rookie.    RANK 25/Round 1

    TAYLOR MAYS/S/LB/USC/6’3/230                        THOMAS DAVIS/PANTHERS

There is no question about MAYS athleticism, but there are concerns about his overall productivity and pro potential at S. His speed is other-worldly for his size, but his ball instincts are questionable.  When DAVIS came out of Georgia some of the same questions and issues were present. After a couple of seasons struggling to cover receivers in the deep area of the field DAVIS was moved to OLB and has had a nice career, excluding missing all of 2009 with an injury. So what I am saying is that as long as MAYS is drafted outside of the TOP 10 he can be tried as a S and at worst ends up being a solid starting OLB. Either way you are Drafting a player with NFL starter ability.        RANK 17/Mid Round 1

    EARL THOMAS/S/TEXAS/5’10/205                        JAIRUS BYRD/BILLS

Though THOMAS lacks ideal size for S in the NFL you cannot question his heart or his ball skills. He reminds me of last year’s Rookie S sensation BYRD in several ways. BYRD played CB in college and was moved to S by the BILLS. Conversely THOMAS was a ball-hawking S for the Longhorns, but may have the athleticism to be a Corner if needed. But the biggest similarity is the aforementioned ball skills. THOMAS hauled in 8 INT this past season for the Longhorns. BYRD had 9 for the BILLS. Despite his relatively modest size THOMAS does not hesitate to do his part in run support. So if your favorite team needs a S catch some video of BYRD with the BILLS and envision THOMAS.        RANK 18/ROUND 1

       DAMIAN WILLIAMS/WR/RS/USC/6’1/197                GREG JENNINGS/PACKERS

I am a bigger fan of DAMIAN than a lot of folks. In my mind he is very close to First Round status depending upon the Offensive scheme. He has great hand-eye coordination and finds the thrown ball very well. He runs tight routes and for those who say he lacks speed, I question whether they have watched video of him creating separation on routes and running away from defenders once he secures the ball. He ran a 40-time of over 4.5 in Indy, but I will bet he does a lot better at his Pro Day, and I know he runs faster, and quicker, in pads than a lot of sprinters masquerading as football players. Seems to me that JENNINGS had to wait around a while to be Drafted in Round 2 back in 2006. But the last time I checked he is doing quite nicely with a high catch count and the ability to find the End Zone.        RANK 50/ROUND 2

    TRENT WILLIAMS/OT/OKLAHOMA/6’5/315                WALTER JONES/SEA HAWKS

If you read my stuff regularly then you know that I thought WILLIAMS had a letdown season in 2009, just when the SOONERS needed him to step up his play. But I cannot deny his size and athleticism. He is strong enough (and will get stronger) to run block and has the feet and agility to pass-pro. WALTER JONES had some question marks about his desire and dedication coming out of FSU, but he responded to the NFL challenge and just completed a 13 season, probable HOF career. Given a WEst Coast style offensive system and some serious baby-sitting and coaching-up WILLIAMS can bring that kind of quality and productivity to some NFL team in short order.                            RANK 16/ROUND 1

     3/20/2010        Time for installment 2 of                       HE REMINDS ME OF...

TERRENCE CODY/NT/ALABAMA/6’4/350                    TED WASHINGTON/MISC TEAMS

Though very limited in his athleticism because of his bulk, his size and natural strength are rare. They are also an absolute necessity for a 3-4 scheme. Amazingly, as pointed out by TONY SPARANO in Mobile, some of these massive guys last a long time in the NFL. WASHINGTON  used his bulk to carve out a 15 year NFL career. If CODY can get in some semblance of “massive shape” for the next 5-6 years he too could put together a 10-plus year career, absolutely controlling the line of scrimmage ala BIG TED.                                                RANK 39/ROUND 2

SERGIO KINDLE/OLB/TEXAS/6’4/250                                    BRIAN ORAKPO/REDSKINS

KINDLE played the pass-rush DE position for the Longhorns this season as a favor to the TEXAS coaching staff. Do not be fooled... he is a stand-up OLB who should be comfortable in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. There is no reason to believe he will not be just as successful as a Rookie in the NFL as ORAKPO was in his first year in Washington. Just like ORAKPO, KINDLE should be a double defensive threat in his ability to stop the run and provide some pass-rush on a regular basis. He possesses a nice combination of strength and speed off the edge.            RANK 11/ROUND 1

DAN LeFEVOUR/QB/CENTRAL MICHIGAN/6’3/230                TONY ROMO/COWBOYS

One of the key things to remember in this comparison is that even though LeFEVOUR played in D1 his readiness to play the pro game will require a couple of years of learning on an NFL bench. His size, arm strength and athleticism are very comparable to ROMO’s. But his mechanics coming out of college ball, just like ROMO’s, will need fine tuning by an NFL QB guru. Despite often being a scapegoat for failures in Dallas ROMO is clearly in the top dozen QBs in the NFL right now. In time I think LeFEVOUR  has the talent and athleticism to follow in ROMO’s footsteps.        RANK 70/ROUND 3

ANTHONY  McCOY/TE/USC/6’4/260                        HEATH MILER/STEELERS

McCOY is not a big offensive weapon, but he will catch more than his share of short and intermediate balls in a West Coast style system. But some folks forget that his initial signature skill was his blocking ability. That’s why I see him having an NFL career similar to that of HEATH MILLER. He will block solidly for the running game, help in picking up outside blitzes and catch enough balls to help keep an NFL Offense advancing the chains. I see him having a more productive pro career than he had as a collegian.                                                        RANK 59/ROUND 3

KOA MISI/OLB/UTAH/6’3/250                            ANTHONY SPENCER/COWBOYS

Thanks to his week in Mobile we all have a pretty good sense of what MISI can do with his hand off the ground after his college career as a DE. And the picture we got was very attractive for at team looking for a strong, pass rushing edge player, who can actually drop into space n pass coverage. He is ahead of SPENCER already in that area, but otherwise they are very similar in size and athleticism. The footwork and awareness he displayed out in space, while in Mobile, make me think he could possibly handle either a 4-3, or 3-4 scheme, more likely the latter. MISI is not going to crack Round 1 like SPENCER did, but I will be surprised if he is not gone by late in Round 2.        RANK 55/ROUND 2

NDAMUKONG SUH/DT/NEBRASKA/6’4/305                    DAN HAMPTON/BEARS

I had to go back a couple decades to find a guy I felt had the kind of package SUH brings to the table. And HAMPTON represented the combination of size, strength and quickness that SUH brings to the field  of play. HAMPTON even swung outside to End in certain situations. And there is no reason to think that MR. SUH couldn’t do so as well. A major reason for my selection of HAMPTON is that I seem to recall he was extra special at using his hands to keep blockers at bay, and literally throw people around, which is fairly rare at the NFL level. Based on his play in college it certainly appears as though SUH will bring that skill to the League.                                    RANK 1/ROUND 1     

    Please remember the RANK #’s that you see on each player are based on my prospect Regardless of Position list.                       

3/18/2010        We’re closing in fast on the one-month-to-go mark for the 2010 DRAFT. I am pleased to announce that more than a few folks have asked me what happened to my He Reminds Me Of... segment. That was all I needed to get the juices flowing ...

ERIC BERRY/S/TENNESSEE/6-0/210                            ED REED/S/RAVENS   

I have been touting this comparison since late in the 2008 season and I see no reason to change it now. In his first two seasons starting for the VOLS he showed his ball hawking ability, flying around the field to snag 12 INT. In 2009 under MONTE KIFFIN he spent much of his time in-the-box keying to stop the run. Like REED he has the athleticism and competitive attitude to lead an NFL Defense by example on the field and in the locker room. Barring injury I see no reason he cannot have the impact career that REED has enjoyed in the NFL, which makes him a very special player. Forget the fact that he plays the under appreciated S position versus Corner (although he could handle CB in most defenses). He should be Drafted TOP 10 this April.                                              RANK 2/ROUND 1

ARMANTI EDWARDS/WR/QB/APPALACHIAN ST/5’11/195        KORDELL STEWART/STEELERS

Do most of you remember the first unofficial “slash/” player from a decade ago in KORDELL? I think that is the fate of EDWARDS in the NFL. His athleticism indicates he can serve a multitude of rolls at the pro level, but is not likely to ever make the grade as a starting QB, which was the attempted role that squelched STEWART’s career.  Everyone I speak to is convinced EDWARDS will be able to shine at Return duties in the League, despite not serving that role in college. With the advent of the Wildcat Packages his throwing skills could/should come in handy. EDWARDS had a 68.6% college completion percentage as a QB. If he’s not over-Drafted, and is used in a multiplicity of rolls he could make a very versatile, useful weapon on Sundays, just like STEWART did as Slash.                                    RANK 211/ROUND 6

TOBY GERHART/RB/STANFORD/6’0/230                        LARRY JOHNSON/REDSKINS

GERHARTs stock is rising these days thanks to his COMBINE work. His straight-line speed does not make him the next AP, but it could translate into a LARRY JOHNSON-style power runner, with long run speed and without the attitude and personal baggage of an LJ. For an NFL team that still utilizes a power running scheme GERHART could be a great bargain early in Round 2. He will surpass JOHNSON on the receiving side of things. He wasn’t called upon to catch a lot of balls at STANFORD, but he shows comfort in space and ran down a lot of balls playing OF for the CARDINAL baseball team. I see GERHART as the good guy-alter ego of JOHNSON for some NFL team.    RANK 41/ROUND 2

RODGER SAFFOLD/OG/INDIANA/6’4/315                MARSHALL YANDA/OG/RAVENS

Probably a Third Rounder, SAFFOLD has been slowly climbing up DRAFT Boards with his work starting in Orlando at the SHRINE GAME. Like YANDA, he is functionally sound with enough athleticism to slide out to OT if needed, but may be best suited as an agile, mean tempered inside guy. I can see him earning a starting job in 2-3 years, depending upon how needy the team that Drafts him is along the OL. Like YANDA he is fundamentally sound in his blocking technique and will be more ready to hit the ground running in the Pros than some of the more highly touted College OL prospects. His versatility could come in very handy on an NFL depth chart.                            RANK 91/ROUND 3

C.J. SPILLER/RB/RS/CLEMSON/5’11/195                    REGGIE BUSH/RB/RS/SAINTS

My top ranked RB for the 2010 DRAFT Class reminds me more and more of BUSH coming out of USC every time I pop in a 2009 game tape. He is an explosive HR threat every time he touches the ball, but he is not a Franchise RB like ADRIAN PETERSON. He does some of his best work as a RS, where his speed and elusiveness serve him well. He needs to be targeted for about 20-25 touches per game, no more. This will be another case of the NFL team Drafting him needing to put him in a position to succeed and help the team, rather than running him too often, and between the Tackles. He will not do a team much good on the Injured List every couple of weeks. It took the SAINTS almost 3 seasons to figure out the proper mix for BUSH. Here’s hoping his clone will find an NFL home where they will use him wisely.           RANK 14/ROUND 1

 

3/17/2010    I’m still nestled in the rolling hills of New Hampshire this week. The sun is out and we are pushing past 60 degrees again today. I’m a bit out of touch on the NFL scene right now. Today’s little section is being put together while sitting in the Bedford Public Library. I am also without NFL Network this week, during one of the periods when it does function at a fairly high level. I picked up a copy of SPORTING NEWS DRAFT 2010 at the grocery store yesterday and gave it the quick once over last night..

    I felt I should give you readers my assessment of the publication, on the assumption that some of you like to have some hard copy info at your finger tips over the next month, in addition to your web perusal. It just hit the stands  this week and is considered one of the staples of the over-the-counter DRAFT mags. It represents a combined effort from SPORTING NEWS folks, and STREET & SMITH’s survivors since the old TSN folks sold out a couple of years ago.

    It’s worth the $7.99 and features the usual fare for this genre of mags. There are thumbnail sketches of 350 Prospects, or so proclaims the cover. I have not manually counted the entries to very that number, but it looks about right. A rating system assigns a ranking grade to each prospect. There is an NFL team-by-team “needs” section. Before the player ratings begin there are a handful of “feature” articles on DRAFT related subjects, providing some glimpses, but nothing in-depth. These articles serve more as a primer for newbies than meat for Draftniks.

    The bulk of the ranking and evaluation comes from the in-house crew called the WAR ROOM scouts. And this is the area where this magazine gets rather interesting. That group is headed by former NFL Scout RUSS LANDE. And to be frank I find some of his assertions, and evaluations to be ‘out-LANDE-ish’, which by the same token makes them rather intriguing. One of the more compelling charts (and it has been so for several years now) is their ‘Stacking The Board’, Value Board, which slots the prospects by Round value, and overall player ranking. This year’s chart can be found on pages 40-41 of the mag.

    This overall DRAFT process prognostication is subjective, and far from a science, but let me fill you in on a few of the conclusions drawn by LANDE and is staff regarding this year’s DRAFT talent.

1. 1)Have you read anywhere else than JONATHAN CROMPTON/TENNESSEE is the 2nd best QB prospect in this year’s DRAFT? On their list only SAM BRADFORD ranks higher.
   

2. 2) What if I told you War Room guys believe TONY MOEAKI/IOWA is the second best TE prospect and should be taken ahead of JERMAINE GRESHAM/OKLAHOMA! Are you buying that one?
   

3. 3) Would you be comfortable posting a MOCK anytime soon using their top 3 rated LBs to formulate your First Round? In order of rank they like SERGIO KINDLE/TEXAS, THAD GIBSON/OHIO STATE & DONALD BUTLER/WASHINGTON the best.
   

4. 4) Are you comfortable that the following players only have 7th Round DRAFT value: BEN TATE/RB/AUBURN; TERRENCE CODY/DT/ALABAMA; JARRETT BROWN/QB/WEST VIRGINIA; MYRON ROLLE/S/FLORIDA STATE?
   

    The magazine had to be put to print just after the COMBINE, so you know some of the above evaluations will be adjusted, but many of these players on their list are so far from the current norm that I sat reading the chart and my mouth dropped open. But what the heck. Many of my projections look pretty silly by the end of April, at least they are giving you something to read that is different from most of what you see.

    My suggestion is buy the magazine, but don’t use their rankings to do your MOCK DRAFT. Not unless you want to be mocked by your peers.

1/13/2010    It's time to start the MOCKING... DRAFT-wise that is. There aren't any blockbuster Underclassmen left to declare this week, so let's take a spin through the TOP 24 selections in the 2010 DRAFT, as they stand today, January 13th.

1)RAMS/NDAMUKONG SUH/DT/NEBRASKA

2)LIONS/GERALD McCOY/DL/OKLAHOMA

3)BUCS/ERIC BERRRY/S/TENNESSEE

4)REDSKINS/SAM BRADFORD/QB/OKLAHOMA

5)CHIEFS/DEZ BRYANT/WR/OKLAHOMA STATE

6)SEA HAWKS/JIMMY CLAUSEN/QB/NOTRE DAME

7)BROWNS/JOE HADEN/CB/FLORIDA

8)RAIDERS/RUSSELL OKUNG/OT/OKLAHOMA STATE

9)BILLS/CARLOS DUNLAP/DE/FLORIDA

10) JAGUARS/ROLANDO McCLAIN/LB/ALABAMA

11)BRONCOS/TERRENCE CODY/NT/ALABAMA

12)DOLPHINS/TAYLOR MAYS/S/LB/SOUTHERN CAL

13)49'ERS/ANTHONY DAVIS/OT/RUTGERS

14)SEA HAWKS/C.J. SPILLER/RB/RS/CLEMSON

15)GIANTS/SERGIO KINDLE/OLB/TEXAS

16)49'ERS/BRANDON SPIKES/LB/FLORIDA

17)TITANS/JERRY HUGHES/OLB/TCU

18)STEELERS/BRIAN BULAGA/OT/IOWA

19)FALCONS/DERRICK MORGAN/DE/GA TECH

20)TEXANS/DAMIAN WILLIAMS/WR/RS/SOUTHERN CAL

21)BENGALS/GOLDEN TATE/WR/RS/NOTRE DAME

22)PATRIOTS/ERIC NORWOOD/LB/SOUTH CAROLINA

23)*PACKERS/JAVIER ARENAS/CB/RS/ALABAMA

24)EAGLES/DAN WILLIAMS/DT/TENNESSEE

* I don't do trades traditionally, but live in PACKERS Country and I think WHITEY is going to move out in a deep DRAFT. I think he picks up an early Round 2 and an extra 2nd Round Pick (maybe more) to move out of Round 1. ARENAS would provide them with an aggressive ball-hawking young CB, who may be ready to start soon, and also solves part of their field position problem with his outstanding Return ability.A team like NE, which has 3 Second Round Picks, might be willing to move up here with a guy like TOBY GERHART/RB/STANFORD still on the Draft Board.

   1/9/2010        For those of you who do not put together a ranked Prospect list (Regardless of Position) you might be amazed at how our lists jump around as more study goes into the relative merits of the players once the NCAA Football season has concluded. That is why the All-Star games are so important to Scouts, professional and amateur. The biggest advantage is seeing prospects playing prospects, not 19-year old kids or undersized, overachievers who fill out college starting line-ups. That’s why NFL Personnel people watch with rapt attention when 1-on-1 drills go on during Practice Week in Orlando, Mobile & El Paso.

            We now have one week left for Underclassmen to apply for early entry into the 2010 DRAFT. As they continue to declare please keep in mind that the first rule of eligibility for them to satisfy is that they must be 3-years out of High School to be eligible for participation in the NFL DRAFT. This usually means true Juniors or 3rd year Sophomores (usually those who Redshirted as Freshman) are the primary applicants in this process. There are a few other scenarios that come into play but they are obscure and seldom come into play, so let’s move on.

            As of this morning (Saturday) there appears to be a list of 32 players who have declared their intention to be included for the 2010 DRAFT. Occasionally, a player or two will back off, sometimes never even filing the official paperwork with the League despite their announcement. Once in a while a few players are informed by the NFL that they do not meet League eligibility requirements. 

            It is my expectation right now that there may be another 5-10 significant players announcing their intention to go-Pro in the final week of filing time. Here are the 12 most logical names to pop up between now and next Friday as additional early entrants for the 2010 DRAFT.

1. 1.    ROLANDO McCLAIN/LB/ALABAMA
   

2. 2.    DERRICK MORGAN/DE/GA TECH
   

3. 3.    CARLOS DUNLAP/DE/FLORIDA
   

4. 4.    JONATHAN DWYER/RB/GA TECH
   

5. 5.    GREG JONES/LB/MICHIGAN STATE
   

6. 6.    GREG ROMEUS/DE/PITT
   

7. 7.    VON MILLER/OLB/TEXAS A&M
   

8. 8.    CHAD JONES/S/LSU
   

9. 9.    MAJOR WRIGHT/S/FLORIDA
   

10. 10.   POUNCEY TWINS/OL/FLORIDA  
    

11. 11.   MORGAN BURNETT/S/GA TECH 
    

        Unfortunately, I expect that there will be another dozen or so players who will declare that have next to no chance to be drafted. But before we pass judgement on these guys let’s remember that college is not for everyone. There are more than a few players who need to explore their professional options as soon as possible. For them a pro career is their goal, and they are pretenders as student-athletes, merely playing College ball as a necessary/mandated training ground.  Sometimes these undrafted Rookie Free Agents (RFA) do find their place in the pro game after additional developmental time on Practice Squads.

            Early next week I will publish my first 2010 MOCK DRAFT, going through the first 20 Picks, as currently assigned for non-Play Off teams. I will use only Underclassmen who have already announced their intention to go-pro. I will update that Mock the week after the final filing date of 01/15/10.

            By the way for you hardcore Draftniks, oh my band of brothers (and sisters), I encourage you to visit the Great Blue North, where cousin COLIN has the most current list of declared Underclassmen that I am aware of. Visit him @ http://www.gbnreport.com/juniors.htm . 

DRAFTNIK FEVER    01-07-10

OK, so here we are with the big BCS Championship Game on tap tonight. And this weekend marks the beginning of NFL Play-Off action. Teams around the League whose season is over are hiring/firing Coaches. 

So what is PIGSKIN PAUL spending most of his time doing:  watching roster postings for the SENIOR BOWL and SHRINE CLASSIC, and following the daily stay-in-school, or play-for-pay decisions from College Underclassmen. It's also an hour or more daily putting together my Regardless of Position Prospect list of the supposed Top 300 DRAFT eligible players. I hope to have that little nugget, which I consider to be the backbone of my DRAFT prognostications, ready for you to access from my website next week.

Such is the unavoidable fate of a DRAFTNIK. It's as strong a natural phenomenon as the yearly instinct for many animals to hibernate. I cannot help myself. I is the natural order of things, at least for me.

So let's get on with some of my current observations of the above mentioned topics.

The annual carnage has taken place for the East-West SHRINE Classic. The game began posting its roster based on acceptance letters from players early in December. I was seriously impressed to see names like LeFEVOUR, HUGHES, LANG, THOMPSON, McCOURTY, ARTHUR JONES and more appear in the early listings. But as January ushered in a new year many of these names began to disappear from the website listing. Lo and behold those names began to appear at the SENIOR BOWL website, as that game released a couple of names a day of players accepting their invitation to appear in Mobile. This is an annual occurrence as many players accept invites to both games. But in this day and age very few players will appear in more than one of the games. And because of the close affiliation with the NFL and NFLPA the Senior Bowl is the game of choice when push comes to shove. The Senior Bowl draws most of the TOP 100 senior players (those who play at all) because they are coached by current NFL Staffs, which in turn brings nearly twice as many NFL Personnel people to Mobile than the Shrine venue in Orlando.

But before anyone associated with the SHRINE GAME gnashes their teeth in pain, it must be remembered that the NFL DRAFT selects over 250 players each year. For the true football fan, and DRAFTNIK, there is still plenty of interest in what happens the week in Orlando this year, preceding Senior Bowl week. AS of today I still see some TOP 100 potential Draftees on the SHRINE GAME roster. Here are my TOP 12 Prospects shown on the SHRINE roster as of yesterday.

WR/FREDDIE BARNES/BOWLING GREEEN

OG/ZANE BEADLES/UTAH

LB/E/O'BRIEN SCHOFIELD/WISCONSIN

S/DARRELL STUCKEY/KANSAS

DL/VINCE OGHOBAASE/DUKE

DT/EARL MITCHELL/ARIZONA

RB/JAVARRIS JAMES/MIAMI (F)

OG/SHAWN LAUVAO/ARIZONA STATE

DE/C.J. WILSON/EAST CAROLINA

OT/KYLE CALLOWAY/IOWA

S/KAM CHANCELLOR/VA TECH

WR/NAAMAN ROBINSON/BUFFALO

All of these players are in my Top 110 right now, with chances to rise if some highly anticipated Underclassmen decide to stay in school.

Meanwhile, in Mobile the game that flirted with leaving town, is busy announcing it's roster and showing once again that it has the drawing power to command the attention of the top Seniors who transition their careers to the pro level with their participation in this game. With less than half of the rosters revealed I already see 10 potential First Rounders for the 2010 DRAFT on the list. they are:

CB/RS/JAVIER ARENAS/ALABAMA

NT/TERRENCE CODY/ALABAMA

E/LB/JERRY HUGHES/TCU

S/LB/TAYLOR MAYS/SOUTHERN CAL

OLB/ERIC NORWOOD/SOUTH CAROLINA

CB/PATRICK ROBINSON/FLORIDA STATE

OLB/E/GEORGE SELVIE/SOUTH FLORIDA

CB/SYD'QUAN THOMPSON/CAL

OLB/SEAN WEATHERSPOON/MISSOURI

DT/DAN WILLIAMS/TENNESSEE

I am expecting that we will see some big names when the QB list comes out. Both TEBOW and McCOY are being courted for the game.  But it is also a sure thing that a few top rated players will be kept away from the game by their agents. In fact some players already on the Senior Bowl

roster list may not show up at the last minute. That will be determined on the Sunday before the game, and kEVIN McDERMOND and his staff will be burning the midnight oil that Sunday night before practices start on Monday afternoon. Even the premier All-Star game in Mobile goes through 

significant trials and tribulations putting together the best roster they can possibly get.

Just a couple of quick comments on the Underclassmen making their decisions to enter the 2101 NFL DRAFT or stay in school. It appears that there will not be a panic by as many premier players as originally believed to jump to the NFL because of the lack of a CBA in place after the 2010

season. I would suggest that some guys have figured out that if everyone comes out early it will push First Round guys to the Second Round. And as the domino effect rolls on less of the declaring players will get the big guaranteed money anyway. On the other hand do not believe everything 

you hear and read this week about  who is out and who is in. The official deadline for decisions is January 15th, and there may be a few guys changing their minds on both sides of the fence.

On a somewhat related note, I am still waiting for someone to come up with a formula that will allow some of the declared players to make ALL-STAR Game appearances. I agree with SCOTT WRIGHT that the premier Underclassmen would not choose to play in any games, but I do think the 2nd & 3rd Round Prospects might like the showcase for their talents. It would increase the overall talent pool in the 3 games (don't forget TEXAS VS NATION), especially from a general fan base interest with more recognizable names in more games. Underclassmen are a part of each DRAFT, and treating their presence like that of red-headed-step-children is unfair and silly.

Enjoy the Big Game tonight in which i like 'BAMA by a TD over TEXAS.

            

11/30/09    Due to continuing issues with my laptop I am breaking format precedent in order to get some info to you. Here is my belated, list of top Prospects for the 2010 NFL DRAFT. I am starting with 30 names and hope to have it up to 50 by Monday morning. So check back as I update. I have tried to include Underclassmen based on the assumption that an unusually large number of players will come out early in light of the NFL CBA situation.

                    I’ll keep adding to the list as time goes by, but once I am satisfied that my computer woes are over I will change the presentation format to a PDF, with a link to my website.

1. 1)   ERIC BERRY/S/TENNESSEE/5-111/205/JR
   

2. 2)    NDAMUKONG SUH/DT/NEBRASKA/6-3/300
   

3. 3)    GERALD McCOY/DL/OKLAHOMA/6-3/295/JR
   

4. 4)    DEZ BRYANT/WR/OKLAHOMA STATE/6-2/220/JR
   

5. 5)    ROLANDO McCLAIN/ILB/ALABAMA/6-3/255/JR
   

6. 6)    SAM BRADFORD/QB/OKLAHOMA/6-5/220/JR
   

7. 7)    CARLOS DUNLAP/DE/FLORIDA/6-6/290/JR
   

8. 8)    JOE HADEN/CB/FLORIDA/5-11/190/JR
   

9. 9)    JAKE LOCKER/QB/WASHINGTON/6-2/225/JR
   

10. 10)    ANTHONY DAVIS/OT/RUTGERS/6-5/325/JR
    

11. 11)    ARRELIOUS BENN/WR/ILLINOIS/6-2/220/JR
    

12. 12)    TAYLOR MAYS/SS/SOUTHERN CAL/6-3/230
    

13. 13)    BRIAN BULAGA/OT/IOWA/6-5/315/JR
    

14. 14)    BRANDON SPIKES/ILB/FLORIDA/6-3/250
    

15. 15)    RUSSELL OKUNG/OT/OKLAHOMA STATE/6-5/305
    

16. 16)    JIMMY CLAUSEN/QB/NOTRE DAME/6-3/225/JR
    

17. 17)    TERRENCE CODY/NT/ALABAMA/6-5/355
    

18. 18)    C. J. SPILLER/RB/CLEMSON/5-11/195
    

19. 19)    DERRICK MORGAN/DE/GEORGIA TECH/6-4/275/JR
    

20. 20)    JERY HUGHES/OLB/TCU/6-2/258
    

21. 21)    DESMON BRISCOE/WR/KANSAS/6-2/200/JR
    

22. 22)    SEAN WEATHERSPOON/OLB/MISSOURI/6-1/240
    

23. 23)    JERMAINE GRESHAM/TE/OKLAHOMA/6-5/255
    

24. 24)    TRENT WILLIAMS/OT/OKLAHOMA/6-5/315
    

25. 25)    SERGIO KINDLE/OLB/TEXAS/6-4/242
    

26. 26)    COLT McCOY/QB/TEXAS/6-2/215
    

27. 27)    ARTHUR JONES/DL/SYRACUSE/6-3/295
    

28. 28)    TOBY GERHART/RB/STANFORD/6-1/237
    

29. 29)    JEVAN SNEAD/QB/OLE MISS/6-3/215/JR
    

30. 30)    ERIC NORWOOD/OLB/SOUTH CAROLINA/6-1/260
    

31. 31)    JAHVID BEST/RB/CALIFORNIA/5-10/198/JR
    

32. 32)    MARVIN AUSTIN/DT/UNC/6-3/305/JR
    

33. 33)    JONATHAN DWYER/RB/GEORGIA TECH/5-11/235/JR
    

34. 34)    GEORGE SELVIE/OLB/SOUTH FLORIDA/6-4/240
    

35. 35)    DAMIAN WILLIAMS/WR/SOUTHERN CAL/5-11/190/JR
    

36. 36)    JAVIER ARENAS/CB/RS/ALABAMA/5-9/200
    

37. 37)    SYD’QUAN THOMPSON/CB/CALIFORNIA/5-9/195
    

38. 38)    TIM TEBOW/QB/FLORIDA/6-5/245
    

39. 39)    MIKE WILLIAMS/WR/SYRACUSE/6-1/205/JR
    

40. 40)    RICKY SAPP/OLB/CLEMSON/6-3/240
    

41. 41)    CAMERON HEYWARD/DE/OHIO STATE/6-6/290/JR
    

42. 42)    GOLDEN TATE/WR/RS/NOTRE DAME/5-11195/JR
    

43. 43)    DAN LeFEVOUR/QB/CENTRAL MICHIGAN/6-2/232
    

44. 44)    NAVORRO BOWMAN/OLB/PENN STATE/6-0/230/JR
    

45. 45)    BRANDON LaFELL/WR/LSU/6-3/210
    

46. 46)    RYAN MATHEWS/RB/FRESNO STATE/5-11/215/JR
    

47. 47)    GREG JONES/OLB/MICHIGAN STATE/6-1/225/JR
    

48. 48)    JOE McKIGHT/RB/SOUTHERN CAL/5-11/200/JR
    

49. 49)    ALLEN BAILEY/DT/MIAMI (F)/6-4/300/JR
    

50. 50)    GREG ROMEUS/DE/PITT/6-6/270/JR
    

51. 51)    DAN WILLIAMS/DT/TENNESSEE/6-3/325
    

52. 52)    CIRON BLACK/OT/LSU/6-5/330
    

53. 53)    GREG HARDY/DE/OLE MISS/6-4/265
    

54. 54)    ANTONIO COLEMAN/OLB/AUBURN/6-2/255
    

55. 55)    TONY PIKE/QB/CINCINNATI/6-6/225
    

56. 56)    JASON PIERRE-PAUL/DE/SOUTH FORIDA/6-6/265/JR
    

57. 57)    BRANDON GRAHAM/DE/MICHIGAN/6-2/270
    

58. 58)    PATRICK ROBINSON/CB/FLORIDA STATE/5-11/195
    

59. 59)    MARDY GILYARD/WR/RS/CINCINNATI/6-0/190
    

60. 60)    ERIC DECKER/WR/MINNESOTA/6-2/215
    

Check back for more in the days to some.

                  

11/25/2009        Thanks to the timely efforts of STEVE GLAZIER, Director of Game Operations for the EAST/WEST SHRINE GAME, we have some early excitement, and cause to discuss Draft related football, as initial rosters for the 2010 game are posted, and updated, at the events website http://www.shrinegame.com/rosters.shtm . Even though there may be a few changes to the rosters as the game approaches in late January for various reasons, by updating rosters as letters of acceptance come in from players Steve and his staff give us Draftniks cause for ongoing anticipation of the event.

           I was excited to see that the two starting QBs may be fellows who I have touted long and loud over the past year: DAN LeFEVOUR & ZAC ROBINSON. These two guys won’t make it into the First Round next April, but I see both of them as potential NFL starters in a couple of seasons.

        I do see several other players who I think will be First Rounders on the rosters I printed up this past Monday morning. Chief among them is JERRY HUGHES/DE from TCU, who is appropriately listed as an OLB on the roster sheet. Though not a sure First Rounder I have another initial roster listing, SYD’QUAN THOMPSON/CAL, as my top ranked Senior CB Prospect.

        ARTHUR JONES/DT/SYRACUSE is also listed on the East team roster, though I question if he will be recovered from his recent knee injury in time to play in the January 23rd game in Orlando.

        Another highlight while scanning the to-date rosters is the listing of several of the nations top “small-college” players. As the NFL Personnel Depts. scour the country for potential players, they continue to increase the time they spend scrutinizing players from non-BCS schools. Having players from these smaller programs featured prominently in the Shrine Game is an excellent idea for creating added interest in the game.

       Featuring players like TONY WASHINGTON/OT/ABILENE CHRISTIAN,  AKWASI OWUSU-ANSAH/CB/INDIANA(PA), & ANDRE ROBERTS/WR/CITADEL can only bring another element of DRAFT interest and enthusiasm to the game.

        I’ll be visiting the website shown above on a weekly basis to keep track of roster updates, and we’ll start analyzing some of the players in detail once the College Football regular season winds down.

    Speaking of the SHRINE GAME... it is my intention to be in Orlando the entire week preceding the game, as well as covering the game itself on Saturday, January 23rd, 3 PM Eastern Time. I will be publishing daily reports from Orlando on my site. I am also pleased to announce that I have made arrangements to file reports with Colin Lindsey for inclusion in his widely read and respected Great Blue North Report.

    After a couple of phone conversations with Mr. Glazier, I am enthused that the Shrine Game’s move to Orlando will have a revitalizing effect on the game itself, and the noble efforts of the Shriners to raise money for their children’s hospitals. If you’re a football fan, a Draftnik and/or vacationing in the Orlando area that third week of the New Year why not take in the game?! Treat yourself to a look at some of College Football’s premier players (some of whom could be playing for your favorite NFL team next Sept.), and help support the good work of the Shriners.

    Come on down and say hello to Pigskin Paul. I’m always glad to meet and talk football with fans and Draftniks.

Pigskin Paul            11/25/2009

       

      

     11/07/09       The expectation from every corner of the NFL world is that a record number of Underclassmen will be submitting their names for early entry into the 2010 DRAFT when the January deadline draws close. The primary reason to believe that, relates to the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations currently underway between the League and the NFLPA. The parameters for the DRAFT and Rookie Pay are incorporated within CBA detail. College players will be tempted to come out early by two major issues that may be in force by the time of the 2011 DRAFT.

1. 1)If a new CBA is in place there is a high likelihood that there will be a Rookie Pay Scale of some sort spelled out in that agreement.
   

2. 2)Without a CBA in place all bets are off for a 2011 season. The NFL might still conduct a DRAFT in April of 2011, but the owners may be in no hurry to sign their Draftees and hand out bonus money with the high probability that they will lock out the union players when Fall rolls around.
   

    Agents will get the word out quite aggressively this December that the 2010 DRAFT is the last guaranteed chance for College Players to come out and be subject to current pay patterns. The push will be to get as much bonus money as possible in the bank for Agents and Rookies before the rules change, and/or play is halted. That will be a tough argument to ignore for many players.

    My one word of caution, for what it is worth, is that there will still be only 32 First Round Draftees and that is where the big bonus money and slotting pay come into play. The more guys who come out early the more disappointed players there will be who don’t end up in Round 1.

    There are many more CBA related issues to discuss, and we’ll have plenty of time for that, especially when the current football seasons are over. So for now let’s move forward with my first full list of Underclassmen I think should, and/or probably will come out  of school early:

http://www.pigskinpaul.com/Pigskin_Pauls_Place/Home/Entries/2009/11/7_NFL_Draft_Talk_files/Underclasmen%20List%202010%20DRAFT.pdf

   

8/27/09    Let’s get back after it and take a look at the top Underclassmen who may be using the 2009 College Season as their stepping stone to an NFL career. As has been the case this decade this list has a little more glamour than the Senior list I gave you last week. That must be the case because players at the skill positions are more likely to come out for the NFL DRAFT early. Thus, we end up needing the next year’s early entries to make up for the past year’s defections. Lest your memory betray you, 15 of 32 First Rounders this past April were early entires who forsook their last year of college eligibility to pursue their professional careers.

                        TOP 12 UNDERCLASSMEN  Regardless of Position (in alphabetical order)

1. 1)ARRELIOUS BENN/WR/ILLINOIS/6’2/215    2oo8 was a disappointing year for BENN, as it was for most of the Illini. But his talent and size are tantalizing, and if he reverts to form from his ’07 debut he is TOP 10 material.
   

2. 2)ERIC BERRY/S/TENNESSEE/5-10/195    He lacks ideal size, but that is irrelevant in any discussion of this guy’s game. He is simply the best all-around S prospect since ED REED.
   

3. 3)SAM BRADFORD/QB/OKLAHOMA/6-3/220    He is not the perfect prospect, but he’s the equal of any of the senior QB. If he carries this team to a BCS Championship shot again he’ll be in the hunt for first overall Pick in ’10.
   

4. 4)DEZ BRYANT/WR/OKLAHOMA STATE/6-2/215    He brings with him the personality baggage that many WR seem to these days, but his playmaking ability will make him irresistible. Watch for huge numbers this season.
   

5. 5)BRYAN BALUGA/OT/IOWA/6-6/312    The best OL out of Iowa since GALLERY. And this guy won’t have to move to OG in the NFL. The real deal with size & athleticism. He also benefits from OL guru FERENTZ’ mentoring.
   

6. 6)ANTHONY DAVIS/OT/RUTGERS/6-6/330    The most gifted OT you’ve never heard of  because of where he plays. He is a monster, with great athleticism and skills. He’ll be a perennial Pro Bowler once in the NFL.
   

7. 7)CARLOS DUNLAP/DE/FLORIDA/6-6/290    You just don’t find enough players with his size and athleticism. With all the talent on the FL D, he still stands out. Can play the run or provide pass-rush.
   

8. 8)JONATHAN DWYER/RB/GA TECH/5-11/235    A little hard to project because of playing in PAUL JOHNSON’S option O, but he has the power/speed combo that the NFL looks for at his size. Think LARRY JOHNSON.
   

9. 9) JOE HADEN/CB/FLORIDA/5-11/190    When you find a CB who can cover, but also likes to hit, you’ve got something special. If he puts up big numbers this year he’ll have a chance to be first CB taken next year.
   

10. 10) ROLANDO McCLAIN/ILB/ALABAMA/6-4/248    A tacking machine with uncanny speed for his size. But he also has the strength you look for inside. He will be a great fit for an NFL team looking for an ILB to anchor a 3-4 LB corps.
    

11. 11) GERALD McCOY/DT/OKLAHOMA/6-4/295    He is a disruptive force when healthy. He should fit a 4-3 scheme if teamed with big mauler, but is athletic enough to move outside to DE in a 3-4 and impact the game from there.
    

12. 12) JEVAN SNEAD/QB/OLE MISS/6-3/215    If he takes the next step up in play in his second season in Oxford there is no way he won’t come out and be a Top 5 Pick. He looks to have the potential to match ELI’s pro potential coming  out of college.
    

                BENN                                A. DAVIS                    DUNLAP                        McCLAIN                   E. BERRY

OK, now that I’ve put the MANNING comparison out there it’s time to move on. By the weekend I will give you my top TE prospect list, and then next week we begin putting out the weekly college match-ups, with Prospect Watch info. You’ll be able to listen to HUFFY and I discuss those match-ups every Friday on ESPN Radio 1530 & 950 AM sometime between 4- 5 PM Central Time.

8/21/09   We are two weeks from the opening of the 2009 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Season and our weekly detailed prospect reports. I’ll be on the air with HUFFY @ 1530 & 950 AM ESPN Radio each Friday between 3-5 PM  to talk about the top college match-ups and the Pro Prospects featured in those games. Join us if you can.

    So before we get into that detail, and continue with my position-by-position listings let’s make clear who I think the absolute top Prospects are.

                            TOP 12 SENIORS Regardless of Position (in alphabetical order)

1. 1)  TERRANCE CODY/DT/ALABAMA/6-5/350    The weight is a guess, because it fluctuates, but this man-mountain has the potential to be a unique, game changing pro talent.
   

2. 2)    JERMAINE GRESHAM/TE/OKLAHOMA/6-5/260     The best pure TE talent since TONY GONZALEZ . He can do it all, and should post some big numbers this season.
   

3. 3)   ARTHUR JONES/DT/SYRACUSE/6-4/295   A great player on a bad team. He is the active, pursuit type DT who can really wreak havoc if partnered with a massive partner. A 4-3 scheme guy.
   

4. 4)    TAYLOR MAYS/S/USC/6’3/225    An amazing athlete, who still needs to deliver game-to-game performances all season in ’09, but there is no doubt he has the ability to be an NFL Pro Bowler.
   

5. 5)   COLT McCOY/QB/TEXAS/6-2/215    I have changed my mind on COLT and think he has what it takes to be a successful NFL QB. If BREES  can get the job done, then so can this guy.
   

6. 6)   RUSSELL OKUNG/OT/OKLAHOMA STATE/6-5/300    He has a lot to prove in ’09, and needs to show better upper body strength. But he is a big time talent, with superb athleticism.
   

7. 7)BRANDON SPIKES/ILB/FLORIDA/6-2/240  This is an athletic player who makes plays all over the field, including INT. But best of all, he is a tough guy and loves contact. Probably best in a 3-4 scheme.
   

8. 8)C.J. SPILLER/RB/CLEMSON/ 5-11/195    Not a franchise RB, but has all the moves, explosiveness and versatility of a REEGIE BUSH. A team that runs a West Coast Offense will covet this player.
   

9. 9)NDAMUKONG SUH/DT/NEBRASKA/6-3/305   A human highlight reel, at a position you normally don’t say that. He is tough, quick, athletic & exuberant. He will be an impact player in a 4-3 scheme.
   

10. 10)   TIM TEBOW/QB/FLORIDA/6-3/235    A unique talent, who just finds ways to win. Some team has got to figure out a way to go with his athleticism and leadership in the NFL.
    

11. 11)    TRENT WILLIAMS/OT/OKLAHOMA/6-5/320    A very athletic and strong player who has a chance to be a Franchise LT. This season is his time to polish up his technique and make himself the first OT in next year’s Draft.
    

12. 12)    COREY WOOTTON/DE/NORTHWESTERN/6-6/270    If he is totally recovered from last year’s injury you’ll hear about this guy, even given where he plays his college ball. He as the potential to be the ideal 4-3 DE. He has pass rush skills and should be able to add 10-15 lbs.
    

                    JONES                        OKUNG                        SPIKES                        MAYS                                CODY

    Those are my guys... so let the debate begin. Early next week I’ll  float my TOP 12 Draft eligible Underclassmen at you, and the TOP 10 TE Prospects.

             

    8/09/2009   I know what some of you are going to say; ‘Why DRAFT  Talk now, NFL Camps just opened?’. Yes, but college Camps are opening as well. In fact the College Season kicks off the weekend of Labor Day while NFL teams are finalizing their rosters.

    So it seems to me (and my DRAFTNIK followers) that the time is right to move along with my 2010 DRAFT Prospect watch. This edition features the WR group. I am including the top Juniors because most of the top Senior prospects are already in NFL Training Camps. In case you forgot, there were 6 WRs  grabbed in Round One of the 2009 DRAFT; all of them were underclassmen.

1. 1)   DEZ BRYANT/OKLAHOMA STATE/6-2/215/JR
   

BRYANT is a play-maker and an NFL star in the wings. He is fast, can locate and leap for the ball, and has a nose for the end zone. He is the favorite target of QB ROBINSON and while you were watching SEC games he caught 87 balls, at 17 ypc and found the end zone 19 times. Yeah, he is that good. He does come with a WR attitude so be prepared, but has Pro Bowler written all over him.

2. 2)  ARRELIOUS BENN/ILLINOIS/6-2/220/JR 
   

A lot of folks like BENN more than BRYANT, and I am not going to get into an argument. They are 1a & 1b, truth be told. His numbers suffered in ’08, scoring only 3 TD. But the Illini had a poor season and BENN was dinged up on a couple of occasions.  But his size/speed ratio and natural ability are such that Pro Scouts are drooling. He has CRABTREE ability without the attitude. His ’09 performance will dictate how high in R1 he goes.

3. 3)  DAMIAN WILLIAMS/SOUTHERN CAL/6-1/190/JR
   

The most pleasant surprise in ’08 for PETE CARROLL & MARK SANCHEZ was Arkansas transfer WILLIAMS. He is explosive with both quickness and speed. He is a good route runner who gets nice separation from defenders. His hands are very dependable. With another Trojan camp under his belt he should dominate the Pac 10, if the new QB can get him the ball.

4. 4)   BRANDON LaFELL/LSU/6-3/210/SR
   

Brandon actually had his name in for the ’09 DRAFT, but wisely withdrew it when he was rated as a R3 projection by the NFL. His numbers were hurt badly by the QB mess at LSU last season. Look for him to make up for it with some big numbers this year. Even with the chaos of 3 different starting QBs in ’08 he still managed 63 catches for just under 1,000-yds and 8 TD. Though not a speedster he can get separation and his long legs make him hard to catch once he gets a head of speed up. He is fighting to sneak his name into the end of R1, 2010.

5. 5)   MARDY GILYARD/CINCINNATI/6-0/185/SR
   

GILYARD emerged in ’08 as a solid prospect with 81 catches for 1276-yds & 11 TD. He has average speed, but great quickness and very good hands. He has return ability which obviously adds to his potential value. He is a potential No.3 WR who should end up in my Top 100 Prospects list by December, if not sooner.

6. 6)   NAAMAN ROOSEVELT/BUFFALO/6-0/187/SR
   

Catching over 100 balls will get you some attention, no matter where you play. Like many of the wideouts in this year’s group he lacks great speed, but has the moves to get open. He is a disciplined player with dependable hands. As a former QB he understands his routes and what the QB is looking for. He is a high character guy.

7. 7)   SHAY HODGE/OLE MISS/6-0/205/SR
   

His 8 TD catches in ’08, tied for the SEC lead. His 44 grabs are just the beginning for this guy. Though Ole Miss has a large corps of talented receivers his size may make him a favorite of MR. SNEAD. He has great explosiveness which catches DBs by surprise at times. He reminds me of a JORDY NELSON-type receiver, who could explode as a Senior.

8. 8)   JORDAN SHIPLEY/TEXAS/6-0/195/SR
   

He’s not a Top 50 player, but if a pro team needs a possession receiver with great hands and a solid mind to fit into their passing attack pay attention to this guy’s play this Fall. I guarantee that even with lots of talent at the wideout slot, SHIPLEY will reman COLT’s main-man and catch a lot of balls. His Draft status will depend greatly on his 40-number from the COMBINE.

9. 9)   JACOBY FORD/CLEMSON/5-9/185/SR
   

I’m putting him in my Top 10 WR list because of all the things he can do with his explosive speed. He will be one of the fastest players at next years COMBINE. But what makes him special is that his speed is not purely straight-line. He is explosive and quick and is a very dangerous return man. He should excel in the NFL coming out of  the slot. I look for DABO and his staff to find more ways to utilize his talents this season.

10. 10)   KERRY MEIER/KANSAS/6-2/215/SR
    

I don’t really think MEIER is going to grade out as the 10th best WR Prospect when next year’s DRAFT rolls around, but he intrigues me. The former starting QB displays excellent hands, great attitude and offers some interesting options to his team with his size, strong arm and QB background. His intelligence and unselfish attitude will have great appeal to the NFL Personnel folks as the DRAFT progresses. Watch for this guy when you watch a KANSAS game this fall.

        BRYANT                        BENN                          WILLIAMS                    LaFELL