cstu
Footballguy
(From SanDiegoRon on the Chargers board)
First Rd Projection
1. Brady Quinn, QB, 6-4 230 4.72, Notre Dame - If he had come out this year, he might have been the second quarterback taken. But staying in school to play in the pro-style offense used by Charlie Weis will only help his draft stock. Quinn enters next season nearly as strong a favorite to be drafted No. 1 overall as Reggie Bush was this time last year. The Irish quarterback has the prototype combination of size, arm and the intelligence scouts are looking for. He enters his senior season already Notre Dame's career leader in passing yardage (8,336) and touchdowns passes (58).
2. Calvin Johnson, Jr., WR, 6-4, 235 4.50, Georgia Tech - A junior in 2006, this kid has all the tools to be a great one. He's big and fast and polished. He's almost a lock to come out next year. At times last season, it became obvious that Johnson was out growing the college game and becoming a pro caliber receiver, who just wasn’t getting paid. Don’t pay too much attention to his pedestrian numbers - coming into this season, he has 102 receptions for 1,725 yards and 13 TDs - which have more to do with double teams and a battery mate that won’t play quarterback beyond Tech. When sizing up Johnson, the only numbers that matter are the ones that will be off the charts at the NFL combine. He’s also a model citizen from a great family, and the early favorite to be the first receiver taken next April. *** wow, leisure & I agree...
3. Sidney Rice, 3rd So., WR, 6-3 200 4.55, South Carolina - Rice is a sophomore, but sat out 2004 with a bum knee, making him eligible for the 2007 draft. He won’t pass it up. Some players are just built for Sundays, and Rice is one of them. He’s an athletic receiver, who, has a knack for skying above defenders and plucking the ball off the horizon. Coming into this season, he has 58 receptions for 952 yards and 12 TDs - that he’s the best receiver Steve Spurrier has ever coached may be part hyperbole, but being the SEC’s top receiver two years running will be proof enough Rice is ready for the next level. *** I fully expect Rice & Johnson to be battling for the first WR off the board... the combine should be interesting...
4. Joe Thomas, LOT, 6-8 303 4.90, Wisconsin - He thought about entering this year's draft but suffered a serious leg injury in the Badgers' bowl game. That forced him to stay in school. He's a big tackle who excels blocking for the run, although he plays on the left side. Had it not been for a knee injury against Auburn in the Capital One Bowl, Thomas likely would have forgone his senior season and applied for the 2006 NFL draft. A former defensive end, he has the athleticism and consistency teams are looking for in a first-round tackle. *** yikes, a solid top pick if the knee heals...
5. Adrian Peterson, Jr., RB, 6-1, 215 4.40, Oklahoma - He is an elite runner with good size and speed. We've watched him since he stepped onto the campus make big plays, and after his junior season, you can bet he'll be ready to try the next level. He’s a once-every-generation franchise back, who’ll have a difficult time ignoring the high first-round grade he gets later this year. Not since Bo Jackson 20 years ago has a college back had such a blend of power and speed, and depending on the need of its owner, the top overall pick could be Peterson or Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn.
6. Levi Brown, LOT, 6-5 325 5.28, Penn State - He's a pretty good athlete for a man that big. Brown combines great size, skills and athleticism - His efforts in the weight room and off-season conditioning have helped him add muscle while improving his speed and agility. Although quarterback Michael Robinson certainly was the spark for a surprising Penn State offense last season, one could make the argument that Brown supplied the steel. Brown has started 34 of the past 35 games for the Nittany Lions and earned second-team All-America honors last year. *** Blaylock may be the second OT taken, but this guy is a manster...
7. Paul Posluszny, ILB, 6-2 230 4.56, Penn State - He injured a knee in the Orange Bowl victory over FSU; otherwise he would have been in this year's draft. He could be next year's A.J. Hawk. He not only won the Butkus Award as the nation's elite linebacker, but also the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's top defensive player. His 116 tackles led the team and his consistency became a trademark. Last season he became the first Big Ten student-athlete selected Football Player of the Week (Offense, Defense or Special Teams) three consecutive weeks since the conference began the selections in 1987. *** this could be a bit high, we'll see....
8. Quentin Moses, DE, 6-5 255 4.76, Georgia - He is one of those speed rushers teams crave. He is 6-5, 260 and he had 10½ sacks last year. If he can continue to get better, Moss has a chance to be a really high pick. Though last season was Moses' first as a starter, he was so productive he very nearly left early for the NFL. The Bulldog defensive end finished second in the SEC with 11.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. Blessed with instincts and a great first step, expect a monster season from Moses in 2006. *** O My, what a stud...
9. LaRon Landry, FS, 6-2 205 4.46, LSU - At 6-2, 205, he has size and range to be an effective free safety on the next level. He always seems to be around the ball. One of the top defensive backs in the country since he first stepped onto the field for the Bayou Bengals -- earning SEC accolades since his freshman season. He is an athletic, instinctive and incredibly productive free safety who led LSU in tackles in both 2003 and 2004 and enters his senior season with 241 career tackles to go along with 9 interceptions and 18 passes broken up. *** And the Best Centerfielder available… other than Calvin and Sidney, my 07 flavor of the month(s)...
10. Drew Stanton, QB, 6-3 226 4.79, Michigan State - He's a big, strong-armed quarterback who improved greatly last year. If he continues to grow, he has a chance to be a high pick. The tools are there. Stanton toyed with the notion of leaving school after his junior season. He certainly has shown the NFL combination of size, athleticism, toughness and arm strength. Scouts would like to see him develop a little more consistency. A likely second-round pick had he entered the 2006 draft, a little refining next season could bump his stock into the high first round. *** I could have him too low...
11. Gaines Adams, DE, 6-5 260 4.76, Clemson - He's another player with speed off the corner. He almost came out this year, but another year could mean a lot of money to him. Over the final month and a half of the 2005 season, there might not have been a more dominant pass rusher than Adams. He had 11.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks and 16 quarterback pressures in the final six games. Adams finished the season with 29 quarterback pressures, 9.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss to lead Clemson in all three areas. Scouts are excited about his size, burst and long arms. The defensive end actually led the team in passes broken up (9) last season. *** wow!!!
12. Brandon Meriweather, FS, 6-0 190 4.49, Miami - The latest in a long line of talented Miami defensive backs, Meriweather enters his senior season as one of the elite safeties in the country. A veteran of 19 starts over 40 games, Meriweather has seen action at strong and free safety, and some feel he has the athleticism to eventually move to cornerback. His career numbers include 202 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 17 passes broken up and six interceptions. *** Not much separate Landry & Merriweather – it should be a dogfight to see who goes first… I'd take either...
13. Daymeion Hughes, CB, 6-2 188 4.52, Cal - The Pac-10 has a bit of a reputation for being the "pass-happy" conference of the BCS. Hughes was a team-team all conference cornerback in 2005 who held up against several potent passing attacks. Hughes finished with 62 tackles last season and challenged quarterbacks to throw his way. They weren't often successful. The angular corner finished with 12 passes broken up and five interceptions. *** This draft is thin at CB – his stock will rise as a function of that….
14. Justin Blalock, ROT, 6-4 330 5.30, Texas - Blaylock is a power player who has played mostly right tackle. He is a better pro prospect than teammate Jon Scott, who came out this year. While Jonathan Scott earned most of the headlines, Texas coaches will tell you that the most talented Longhorn offensive lineman last year was Blalock. He has started all 38 games during his career, all at right tackle, and has earned Big 12 accolades after each of his three seasons. *** McNeill/Blaylock - O My....
15. Dwayne Jarrett, Jr., WR, 6-5 210 4.57, USC — Jarrett pulled down 91 balls in 2005 and led the country with 16 touchdown receptions. Jarrett has great hands, and a real safe bet to be the next Trojan to turn the three-year college plan into a fat, first-day signing bonus. *** Who will be the third WR off the board, Jarrett/Samardzija/Ginn???
16. Jeff Samardzija, WR, 6-5 216 4.58, Notre Dame - He might be the best senior receiver on the board. He flourished last year when Weis came from the Patriots and broke Irish records for most receiving yards (1,249) and touchdowns (15) in a single season, and tied a 35-year-old record for most receptions (77). Samardzija has rare hand-eye coordination and has shown a knack for making the spectacular reception amid tight coverage.
17. Marshawn Lynch, Jr., RB, 5-11 220 4.46, California - This junior has put up some big numbers in Cal's offense. He averaged 6.4 per rush last year, which shows he's a big-time speed back. As it stands today, the 2007 draft looks as if it’ll be light on top running backs, which could be the impetus for an early departure from Lynch. He’s a premier back with breakaway speed and a penchant for shedding tacklers. In two years at Cal, he’s averaging more than seven yards a carry and can also contribute on special teams and in the passing game. Lynch has only scratched the surface of his potential, and has showed signs in the off-season that he’s preparing for a monster junior year.
18. Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, 6-0 170 4.37, Ohio State - Everyone knows Ginn has mercurial speed and can’t be caught once he gets behind a secondary or punt coverage team, but is he physically ready for the demands of the NFL? The word around Columbus is that Ginn has added a few pounds and is becoming a more complete receiver.
19. Jake Long, Jr., LOT, 6-7 330 5.00, Michigan - Long, who’s making the switch from right to left tackle in 2006, has shed 20 pounds since last year’s injury-riddled season and looked quicker and stronger than ever this spring. He’s 6-7, but is much more than a big body, displaying excellent footwork and technique to go along with his brute strength and ability to overpower opposing linemen on running plays. If he’s successful protecting Chad Henne’s blindside this season, his stock will soar even higher by the end of his junior campaign. *** nice set of OTs, but will they disappoint???
20. Frank Okam, Jr., DT, 6-5 315 5.00, Texas – Look for Okam to become the star of the Longhorn defense, a role he’s capable of playing. He is the kind of prototypical, two-gap NFL tackle that all 32 franchises covet. Okam moves extremely well and can provide a pass rush like few others at his position. He’s also bright and hard working, and is going to get a projection later this year from the league’s advisory committee that might be too tempting to pass up. *** This guy will be fun to track from a NT perspective...
21. Alan Branch, Jr., DT, 6-6, 325, Michigan - Branch came on like gangbusters during last year’s sophomore season, muscling his way into the starting lineup and displaying insane quickness and agility for an interior lineman. He flipped between end and tackle a year ago, a testament to his versatility, and closed the year with a career-high eight tackles and five tackles for loss in a dominant Alamo Bowl performance. Because hulking tackles that can pressure the quarterback are such a rarity, Branch is going to make himself a bundle of money if he continues improving in 2006. *** definately on my radar, as well...
*** Solid D-lineman draft...
22. Michael Bush, RB, 6-2 248 4.68, Louisville – This Bush is a power runner at 250 pounds, but he gets the job done. Bush is an incredible combination of size, speed and pure athleticism. He spent his senior season in high school playing quarterback after seeing action at running back, wide receiver, defensive back, linebacker and defensive end over his career. Not only did he lead Big East in rushing, but in all-purpose yardage as well. Bush shows shockingly soft hands (48 receptions over his career, 640 yards, 2 TDs).
23. Patrick Willis, ILB, 6-2 232 4.65, Mississippi - He led the SEC in tackles last year, which says something about his ability to get to the football… a 2005 All-American and the nation's leader in average solo tackles per game (9.0). Willis finished last season with 128 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss (-42), three sacks (-28), two caused fumbles, one fumble recovery, three passes defensed, two quarterback pressures and one pass interception. Willis produced despite struggling through a broken middle finger on his right hand, a sprained left knee, a right mid-foot injury and a partial AC joint separation of his right shoulder. He underwent successful surgery to his right foot last December and has been sidelined since, although he is expected to be ready by August. *** Nice!!!
24. Antoine Cason, CB, 6-1 180 4.43, Arizona - Good cover corners always seem to rise to the top of a draft. Cason has that ability. Playing in Arizona's aggressive defense, he gets a lot of chances to play man coverage, which scouts love to see. Cason has yet to miss a down in two seasons and has been in on 120 tackles, 92 of which were unassisted. Package his physical play with 4.4 speed and an infectious work ethic, and you’ve got the ingredients of a future first-day draft choice. *** It’s likely I have him too low, as corners will be few this year and at a premium…
25. Sam Baker, Jr., LOT, 6-9, 330 5.20, USC - A returning All-American, he’s been the Trojans’ anchor two years running, a distinction that won’t be changing in the upcoming season. Baker seals off edge rushers as well as any returning tackle in the country, which will be especially important in 2006 since he’ll be protecting the quarterback’s backside for the first time in his college career. *** yet another OT rated very high/first rd...
26. Baraka Atkins, DT, 6-4 273 4.87, Miami - If he bulks up some, he could be a dominant tackle on the next level. The versatile Atkins has seen action at both defensive tackle and defensive end for the Hurricanes, and could be on the verge of a breakout campaign. Atkins has 34 starts on his resume entering his senior campaign and leads all returning Hurricanes with 13 career sacks. *** Boom or Bust... I sense a Rod Wright...
28 Greg Olsen, Jr., TE, 6-5 255, Miami - This transfer from Notre Dame is the next in a long line of great Miami tight ends. He's got good size and speed and has played in a Pro Style offense. The mere suggestion that Olsen could become the most dynamic tight end to ever play at a school that’s produced Kellen Winslow, Jeremy Shockey and Bubba Franks is a testament to his enormous potential. He has ideal size to go along with soft hands, good wheels and crisp routes. Olsen is also an above average blocker, but is most dangerous when he’s stretching the seam or matched with on linebacker, and is a strong favorite to be the first tight end chosen if he decides to leave school early.
29. Rufus Alexander, OLB, 6-1 232 4.53, Oklahoma - Alexander emerged two years ago as Oklahoma's greatest force at linebacker and hasn't looked back. Alexander showed his explosiveness in 2004, registering 74 tackles and causing four fumbles. He emerged as a much more consistent defender in 2005, leading the team with 102 tackles and chipping in 17 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. Alexander has earned Big 12 accolades after each of the past two seasons and appears poised to enjoy his best season to date. *** he could go inside...
30. Kenny Irons, RB, 5-11 202 4.48, Auburn - A transfer from South Carolina, Irons quickly because first team all conference, and averaged 5.05 yards per carry while rushing for 1,293 yards and 13 touchdowns. In his first year as the starter, Irons led the SEC with an average of 109.5 rushing yards per game during the regular season. He also paced the conference with 117.6 yards per game (941 total) in SEC games. *** I like Auburn this year to win the SEC, and this guy is a big part of that...
31. Adam Carriker, DE, 6-6 280 4.89, Nebraska - Though fans outside of the Big 12 might not have noticed, the Blackshirt defense roared back to life last season. Nebraska led the nation with 50 sacks, many due to the pass rushing skills of Carriker, a senior defensive end with NFL size and athleticism. Carriker finished with 9.5 sacks and earned first-team Big 12 accolades. *** well, I noticed him last year - I love this guy – he’d be perfect in our 3-4….
32. Lawrence Jackson, Jr., DE, 6-5 265 , USC - This pass-rushing junior has the speed off the corner and he's already a polished pass rusher. While most everyone was paying attention to the parade of stars on offense, Jackson was emerging as the next big thing in Trojan defensive linemen. He led the defense with 10 sacks and chipped in four forced fumbles, while just scratching the surface of his potential and laying the foundation for what could be an All-American junior season
First Rd Watch List - there's always a guy that comes out of nowhere, here's my early candidate:
Robert Meacham, WR, 6-3 200 , Tennessee - is a raw prospect who has been slowed by injuries. If he can stay healthy, he has a chance to be special.
First Rd Projection
1. Brady Quinn, QB, 6-4 230 4.72, Notre Dame - If he had come out this year, he might have been the second quarterback taken. But staying in school to play in the pro-style offense used by Charlie Weis will only help his draft stock. Quinn enters next season nearly as strong a favorite to be drafted No. 1 overall as Reggie Bush was this time last year. The Irish quarterback has the prototype combination of size, arm and the intelligence scouts are looking for. He enters his senior season already Notre Dame's career leader in passing yardage (8,336) and touchdowns passes (58).
2. Calvin Johnson, Jr., WR, 6-4, 235 4.50, Georgia Tech - A junior in 2006, this kid has all the tools to be a great one. He's big and fast and polished. He's almost a lock to come out next year. At times last season, it became obvious that Johnson was out growing the college game and becoming a pro caliber receiver, who just wasn’t getting paid. Don’t pay too much attention to his pedestrian numbers - coming into this season, he has 102 receptions for 1,725 yards and 13 TDs - which have more to do with double teams and a battery mate that won’t play quarterback beyond Tech. When sizing up Johnson, the only numbers that matter are the ones that will be off the charts at the NFL combine. He’s also a model citizen from a great family, and the early favorite to be the first receiver taken next April. *** wow, leisure & I agree...
3. Sidney Rice, 3rd So., WR, 6-3 200 4.55, South Carolina - Rice is a sophomore, but sat out 2004 with a bum knee, making him eligible for the 2007 draft. He won’t pass it up. Some players are just built for Sundays, and Rice is one of them. He’s an athletic receiver, who, has a knack for skying above defenders and plucking the ball off the horizon. Coming into this season, he has 58 receptions for 952 yards and 12 TDs - that he’s the best receiver Steve Spurrier has ever coached may be part hyperbole, but being the SEC’s top receiver two years running will be proof enough Rice is ready for the next level. *** I fully expect Rice & Johnson to be battling for the first WR off the board... the combine should be interesting...
4. Joe Thomas, LOT, 6-8 303 4.90, Wisconsin - He thought about entering this year's draft but suffered a serious leg injury in the Badgers' bowl game. That forced him to stay in school. He's a big tackle who excels blocking for the run, although he plays on the left side. Had it not been for a knee injury against Auburn in the Capital One Bowl, Thomas likely would have forgone his senior season and applied for the 2006 NFL draft. A former defensive end, he has the athleticism and consistency teams are looking for in a first-round tackle. *** yikes, a solid top pick if the knee heals...
5. Adrian Peterson, Jr., RB, 6-1, 215 4.40, Oklahoma - He is an elite runner with good size and speed. We've watched him since he stepped onto the campus make big plays, and after his junior season, you can bet he'll be ready to try the next level. He’s a once-every-generation franchise back, who’ll have a difficult time ignoring the high first-round grade he gets later this year. Not since Bo Jackson 20 years ago has a college back had such a blend of power and speed, and depending on the need of its owner, the top overall pick could be Peterson or Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn.
6. Levi Brown, LOT, 6-5 325 5.28, Penn State - He's a pretty good athlete for a man that big. Brown combines great size, skills and athleticism - His efforts in the weight room and off-season conditioning have helped him add muscle while improving his speed and agility. Although quarterback Michael Robinson certainly was the spark for a surprising Penn State offense last season, one could make the argument that Brown supplied the steel. Brown has started 34 of the past 35 games for the Nittany Lions and earned second-team All-America honors last year. *** Blaylock may be the second OT taken, but this guy is a manster...
7. Paul Posluszny, ILB, 6-2 230 4.56, Penn State - He injured a knee in the Orange Bowl victory over FSU; otherwise he would have been in this year's draft. He could be next year's A.J. Hawk. He not only won the Butkus Award as the nation's elite linebacker, but also the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's top defensive player. His 116 tackles led the team and his consistency became a trademark. Last season he became the first Big Ten student-athlete selected Football Player of the Week (Offense, Defense or Special Teams) three consecutive weeks since the conference began the selections in 1987. *** this could be a bit high, we'll see....
8. Quentin Moses, DE, 6-5 255 4.76, Georgia - He is one of those speed rushers teams crave. He is 6-5, 260 and he had 10½ sacks last year. If he can continue to get better, Moss has a chance to be a really high pick. Though last season was Moses' first as a starter, he was so productive he very nearly left early for the NFL. The Bulldog defensive end finished second in the SEC with 11.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss. Blessed with instincts and a great first step, expect a monster season from Moses in 2006. *** O My, what a stud...
9. LaRon Landry, FS, 6-2 205 4.46, LSU - At 6-2, 205, he has size and range to be an effective free safety on the next level. He always seems to be around the ball. One of the top defensive backs in the country since he first stepped onto the field for the Bayou Bengals -- earning SEC accolades since his freshman season. He is an athletic, instinctive and incredibly productive free safety who led LSU in tackles in both 2003 and 2004 and enters his senior season with 241 career tackles to go along with 9 interceptions and 18 passes broken up. *** And the Best Centerfielder available… other than Calvin and Sidney, my 07 flavor of the month(s)...
10. Drew Stanton, QB, 6-3 226 4.79, Michigan State - He's a big, strong-armed quarterback who improved greatly last year. If he continues to grow, he has a chance to be a high pick. The tools are there. Stanton toyed with the notion of leaving school after his junior season. He certainly has shown the NFL combination of size, athleticism, toughness and arm strength. Scouts would like to see him develop a little more consistency. A likely second-round pick had he entered the 2006 draft, a little refining next season could bump his stock into the high first round. *** I could have him too low...
11. Gaines Adams, DE, 6-5 260 4.76, Clemson - He's another player with speed off the corner. He almost came out this year, but another year could mean a lot of money to him. Over the final month and a half of the 2005 season, there might not have been a more dominant pass rusher than Adams. He had 11.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks and 16 quarterback pressures in the final six games. Adams finished the season with 29 quarterback pressures, 9.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss to lead Clemson in all three areas. Scouts are excited about his size, burst and long arms. The defensive end actually led the team in passes broken up (9) last season. *** wow!!!
12. Brandon Meriweather, FS, 6-0 190 4.49, Miami - The latest in a long line of talented Miami defensive backs, Meriweather enters his senior season as one of the elite safeties in the country. A veteran of 19 starts over 40 games, Meriweather has seen action at strong and free safety, and some feel he has the athleticism to eventually move to cornerback. His career numbers include 202 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 17 passes broken up and six interceptions. *** Not much separate Landry & Merriweather – it should be a dogfight to see who goes first… I'd take either...
13. Daymeion Hughes, CB, 6-2 188 4.52, Cal - The Pac-10 has a bit of a reputation for being the "pass-happy" conference of the BCS. Hughes was a team-team all conference cornerback in 2005 who held up against several potent passing attacks. Hughes finished with 62 tackles last season and challenged quarterbacks to throw his way. They weren't often successful. The angular corner finished with 12 passes broken up and five interceptions. *** This draft is thin at CB – his stock will rise as a function of that….
14. Justin Blalock, ROT, 6-4 330 5.30, Texas - Blaylock is a power player who has played mostly right tackle. He is a better pro prospect than teammate Jon Scott, who came out this year. While Jonathan Scott earned most of the headlines, Texas coaches will tell you that the most talented Longhorn offensive lineman last year was Blalock. He has started all 38 games during his career, all at right tackle, and has earned Big 12 accolades after each of his three seasons. *** McNeill/Blaylock - O My....
15. Dwayne Jarrett, Jr., WR, 6-5 210 4.57, USC — Jarrett pulled down 91 balls in 2005 and led the country with 16 touchdown receptions. Jarrett has great hands, and a real safe bet to be the next Trojan to turn the three-year college plan into a fat, first-day signing bonus. *** Who will be the third WR off the board, Jarrett/Samardzija/Ginn???
16. Jeff Samardzija, WR, 6-5 216 4.58, Notre Dame - He might be the best senior receiver on the board. He flourished last year when Weis came from the Patriots and broke Irish records for most receiving yards (1,249) and touchdowns (15) in a single season, and tied a 35-year-old record for most receptions (77). Samardzija has rare hand-eye coordination and has shown a knack for making the spectacular reception amid tight coverage.
17. Marshawn Lynch, Jr., RB, 5-11 220 4.46, California - This junior has put up some big numbers in Cal's offense. He averaged 6.4 per rush last year, which shows he's a big-time speed back. As it stands today, the 2007 draft looks as if it’ll be light on top running backs, which could be the impetus for an early departure from Lynch. He’s a premier back with breakaway speed and a penchant for shedding tacklers. In two years at Cal, he’s averaging more than seven yards a carry and can also contribute on special teams and in the passing game. Lynch has only scratched the surface of his potential, and has showed signs in the off-season that he’s preparing for a monster junior year.
18. Ted Ginn, Jr., WR, 6-0 170 4.37, Ohio State - Everyone knows Ginn has mercurial speed and can’t be caught once he gets behind a secondary or punt coverage team, but is he physically ready for the demands of the NFL? The word around Columbus is that Ginn has added a few pounds and is becoming a more complete receiver.
19. Jake Long, Jr., LOT, 6-7 330 5.00, Michigan - Long, who’s making the switch from right to left tackle in 2006, has shed 20 pounds since last year’s injury-riddled season and looked quicker and stronger than ever this spring. He’s 6-7, but is much more than a big body, displaying excellent footwork and technique to go along with his brute strength and ability to overpower opposing linemen on running plays. If he’s successful protecting Chad Henne’s blindside this season, his stock will soar even higher by the end of his junior campaign. *** nice set of OTs, but will they disappoint???
20. Frank Okam, Jr., DT, 6-5 315 5.00, Texas – Look for Okam to become the star of the Longhorn defense, a role he’s capable of playing. He is the kind of prototypical, two-gap NFL tackle that all 32 franchises covet. Okam moves extremely well and can provide a pass rush like few others at his position. He’s also bright and hard working, and is going to get a projection later this year from the league’s advisory committee that might be too tempting to pass up. *** This guy will be fun to track from a NT perspective...
21. Alan Branch, Jr., DT, 6-6, 325, Michigan - Branch came on like gangbusters during last year’s sophomore season, muscling his way into the starting lineup and displaying insane quickness and agility for an interior lineman. He flipped between end and tackle a year ago, a testament to his versatility, and closed the year with a career-high eight tackles and five tackles for loss in a dominant Alamo Bowl performance. Because hulking tackles that can pressure the quarterback are such a rarity, Branch is going to make himself a bundle of money if he continues improving in 2006. *** definately on my radar, as well...
*** Solid D-lineman draft...
22. Michael Bush, RB, 6-2 248 4.68, Louisville – This Bush is a power runner at 250 pounds, but he gets the job done. Bush is an incredible combination of size, speed and pure athleticism. He spent his senior season in high school playing quarterback after seeing action at running back, wide receiver, defensive back, linebacker and defensive end over his career. Not only did he lead Big East in rushing, but in all-purpose yardage as well. Bush shows shockingly soft hands (48 receptions over his career, 640 yards, 2 TDs).
23. Patrick Willis, ILB, 6-2 232 4.65, Mississippi - He led the SEC in tackles last year, which says something about his ability to get to the football… a 2005 All-American and the nation's leader in average solo tackles per game (9.0). Willis finished last season with 128 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss (-42), three sacks (-28), two caused fumbles, one fumble recovery, three passes defensed, two quarterback pressures and one pass interception. Willis produced despite struggling through a broken middle finger on his right hand, a sprained left knee, a right mid-foot injury and a partial AC joint separation of his right shoulder. He underwent successful surgery to his right foot last December and has been sidelined since, although he is expected to be ready by August. *** Nice!!!
24. Antoine Cason, CB, 6-1 180 4.43, Arizona - Good cover corners always seem to rise to the top of a draft. Cason has that ability. Playing in Arizona's aggressive defense, he gets a lot of chances to play man coverage, which scouts love to see. Cason has yet to miss a down in two seasons and has been in on 120 tackles, 92 of which were unassisted. Package his physical play with 4.4 speed and an infectious work ethic, and you’ve got the ingredients of a future first-day draft choice. *** It’s likely I have him too low, as corners will be few this year and at a premium…
25. Sam Baker, Jr., LOT, 6-9, 330 5.20, USC - A returning All-American, he’s been the Trojans’ anchor two years running, a distinction that won’t be changing in the upcoming season. Baker seals off edge rushers as well as any returning tackle in the country, which will be especially important in 2006 since he’ll be protecting the quarterback’s backside for the first time in his college career. *** yet another OT rated very high/first rd...
26. Baraka Atkins, DT, 6-4 273 4.87, Miami - If he bulks up some, he could be a dominant tackle on the next level. The versatile Atkins has seen action at both defensive tackle and defensive end for the Hurricanes, and could be on the verge of a breakout campaign. Atkins has 34 starts on his resume entering his senior campaign and leads all returning Hurricanes with 13 career sacks. *** Boom or Bust... I sense a Rod Wright...
28 Greg Olsen, Jr., TE, 6-5 255, Miami - This transfer from Notre Dame is the next in a long line of great Miami tight ends. He's got good size and speed and has played in a Pro Style offense. The mere suggestion that Olsen could become the most dynamic tight end to ever play at a school that’s produced Kellen Winslow, Jeremy Shockey and Bubba Franks is a testament to his enormous potential. He has ideal size to go along with soft hands, good wheels and crisp routes. Olsen is also an above average blocker, but is most dangerous when he’s stretching the seam or matched with on linebacker, and is a strong favorite to be the first tight end chosen if he decides to leave school early.
29. Rufus Alexander, OLB, 6-1 232 4.53, Oklahoma - Alexander emerged two years ago as Oklahoma's greatest force at linebacker and hasn't looked back. Alexander showed his explosiveness in 2004, registering 74 tackles and causing four fumbles. He emerged as a much more consistent defender in 2005, leading the team with 102 tackles and chipping in 17 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. Alexander has earned Big 12 accolades after each of the past two seasons and appears poised to enjoy his best season to date. *** he could go inside...
30. Kenny Irons, RB, 5-11 202 4.48, Auburn - A transfer from South Carolina, Irons quickly because first team all conference, and averaged 5.05 yards per carry while rushing for 1,293 yards and 13 touchdowns. In his first year as the starter, Irons led the SEC with an average of 109.5 rushing yards per game during the regular season. He also paced the conference with 117.6 yards per game (941 total) in SEC games. *** I like Auburn this year to win the SEC, and this guy is a big part of that...
31. Adam Carriker, DE, 6-6 280 4.89, Nebraska - Though fans outside of the Big 12 might not have noticed, the Blackshirt defense roared back to life last season. Nebraska led the nation with 50 sacks, many due to the pass rushing skills of Carriker, a senior defensive end with NFL size and athleticism. Carriker finished with 9.5 sacks and earned first-team Big 12 accolades. *** well, I noticed him last year - I love this guy – he’d be perfect in our 3-4….
32. Lawrence Jackson, Jr., DE, 6-5 265 , USC - This pass-rushing junior has the speed off the corner and he's already a polished pass rusher. While most everyone was paying attention to the parade of stars on offense, Jackson was emerging as the next big thing in Trojan defensive linemen. He led the defense with 10 sacks and chipped in four forced fumbles, while just scratching the surface of his potential and laying the foundation for what could be an All-American junior season
First Rd Watch List - there's always a guy that comes out of nowhere, here's my early candidate:
Robert Meacham, WR, 6-3 200 , Tennessee - is a raw prospect who has been slowed by injuries. If he can stay healthy, he has a chance to be special.
I think Calvin Johnson plods and runs rounded routes. He's growing into an amazing TE though. 
