TheDailyBlitz.com: NFL Draft Archives

4.22 (or 4.27) for Trindon Holliday?

At the NFL Scouting Combine, LSU return specialist Trindon Holliday was hoping to beat Titans running back Chris Johnson's 40-yard dash time of 4.24.

ESPN's Adam Schefter tweets, "There's smoke coming off the track: LSU WR Trindon Holliday just recoreded one of fastest 40-yard dashes ever run in Indy, a blazing 4.22."

However, NFL.com says Holliday's unofficial 40-yard times are 4.27 and 4.32 seconds.

Either way, he's fast.

At LSU, Holliday finished his four-year career with 776 rushing yards and four touchdowns as well as seven career receptions for 72 yards.

At 5'5" though, he's likely to be a late-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and he will primarily be a return specialist at the next level.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Carlos Dunlap suspended after DUI arrest

When the Florida Gators play the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday for the right to play in the BCS Championship Game, they will do so without defensive end Carlos Dunlap.

Coach Urban Meyer has suspended Dunlap indefinitely after he was arrested early this morning for DUI.

"Carlos obviously made a very poor decision," Meyer said. "I have not spoke to him or his family yet. He's not going to play. But I want to visit with him and his family first and go from there."

Police spokesman Keith Kameg said that officers "approached the car and found the suspect slumped over in the driver's seat. He appeared to be asleep. The car's windows were cracked so they attempted to wake him up. They talked to him and he would only open his eyes for a few seconds and then fall back asleep."

Dunlap is a potential high first-round pick if declares himself eligible for April's NFL Draft.

Meyer made the right decision to suspend Dunlap. Allowing a college kid that gets busted for DUI to play in a football game a few days later would have sent the wrong message.

Florida and Alabama will play on Saturday, December 5th at 4 p.m. in Atlanta.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Crabtree to resume contract talks with Niners

49ers rookie receiver Michael Crabtree, who has held out through four NFL games, is heading to San Francisco to resume contract talks, per Calvin Watkins of ESPN.

Crabree, who won back-to-back Fred Biletnikoff awards at Texas Tech, was the second receiver drafted after Oakland selected Darrius Heyward-Bey. Heyward-Bey and Crabtree were drafted with the seventh and tenth overall picks, respectively.

Although Crabtree topped draft boards at the receiver position for virtually every team, Raiders owner Al Davis covets speed and selected Heyward-Bey, who posted the fastest 40 time at the NFL Combine and was a former track star.

Not wanting to be shortchanged, Crabtree has sought a deal that would make him the highest paid receiver in this year's draft and has reportedly turned down an offer in the area of five years and $20 million.

Crabtree has been widely criticized in the media by former NFL players including Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown for holding out. Brown gave Crabtree some unsolicited advice during an interview on Sirius XM radio saying, "Mr. Crabtree, get your butt in camp."

"We need all the good players we can get," said coach Mike Singletary, per John Crumpacker of the San Francisco Chronicle. "I would never say 'No, we don't need him.' I met him, I talked to him, I had a good feel for him. I haven't been wrong too often."

In order to play in the 2009 season, the diva receiver and the Niners will need to work out a deal by November 17th.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bills sign Aaron Maybin

Now there are only two remaining unsigned first-round draft picks -- Cincinnati's Andre Smith and San Francisco's Michael Crabtree.

The Buffalo Bills have signed Aaron Maybin, the 11th overall draft pick in this year's draft, to a five-year contract and he is expected to begin practicing on Monday, per the Associated Press.

According to ESPN's John Clayton, the deal is worth up to $25 million.

Maybin has missed 23 practices through Thursday and two pre-season games. The Bills play the Packers at Lambeau tomorrow.

"There's a lot of catching up that I have to do. But we still have three weeks to go," Maybin said. "I'm really excited about getting back out there, getting back on the field. And I think I'll be fine."

When Maybin signed the contract, he had a slight mohawk with the numbers 58 (his number) and 78 (Bruce Smith's number) shaved on one side and the Bills logo on the other, per Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com.

“I’ve got two numbers," said Maybin. “I did carve my number in there but also in respect to Bruce Smith being inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, I figured I’d show him so love in the hair cut as well.”

While nobody should expect him to play like Smith, the all-time sacks leader, Maybin should help improve the Bills' pass-rush, which recorded only 24 sacks in 2008. Only four teams had fewer last season.

Maybin, who emerged as a starter in the third game last year, has an exceptional first step and finished last year with 12 sacks and first-team All-American honors.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Updated 8/9: 2009 NFL first-rounders still unsigned

With a few first-rounders signing this weekend, here is an updated list of the remaining unsigned first-round draft picks:

6. Bengals - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
8. Jaguars - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
9. Packers - B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College
10. 49ers - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
11. Bills - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
14. Saints - Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Updated 8/4: 2009 NFL first-rounders still unsigned

Here is an updated list of all unsigned first-round draft picks:

3. Chiefs - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
4. Seahawks - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
6. Bengals - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
8. Jaguars - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
9. Packers - B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College
10. 49ers - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
11. Bills - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
12. Broncos - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
14. Saints - Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State

I will continue to update this list daily.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Eagles sign first-rounder Maclin

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed Jeremy Maclin, their first-round pick, to a five-year contract. The contract is worth $15.5 million, of which $9.5 million is guaranteed.

Maclin was the third receiver drafted behind Darrius Heyward-Bey (Oakland) and Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech). However, most rated Maclin as the second-best receiver in the draft behind Crabtree.

The Eagles are hoping that Maclin will work out better than the last receiver they drafted in the first round -- Freddie "The People's Champ" Mitchell, who was drafted in 2001.

But Eagles QB Donovan McNabb suggests caution with expectations for Maclin.

"He's a rookie. You all act like he's been in the league for five or six years," McNabb said. "You don't know what he's going to do anyway. All we ask of him is to catch the ball and get up field and score. That's all we ask. He's a receiver."

At Missouri, Maclin caught 182 passes for 2,315 yards in two seasons while rushing for an additional 668 yards. He returned five kicks (three punts - two kickoffs) for scores there.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Updated 8/3: 2009 NFL first-rounders still unsigned

With all training camps open, here is an updated list of all unsigned first-round draft picks:

3. Chiefs - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
4. Seahawks - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
6. Bengals - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
8. Jaguars - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
9. Packers - B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College
10. 49ers - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
11. Bills - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
12. Broncos - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
14. Saints - Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
18. Broncos - Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
19. Eagles (via Browns) - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

I will update this list daily.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

2009 First-rounders still unsigned

With almost all training camps open, here is an updated list of all unsigned first-round draft picks:

3. Chiefs - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
4. Seahawks - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
6. Bengals - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
8. Jaguars - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
9. Packers - B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College
10. 49ers - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
11. Bills - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
12. Broncos - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
14. Saints - Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
18. Broncos - Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
19. Eagles (via Browns) - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
22. Vikings - Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
27. Colts - Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

I will update this list daily.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Redskins' pick lies about why he was suspended

Washington Redskins fifth-round draft pick Cody Glenn came clean. Or, at least, half clean.

Nebraska suspended Glenn for three games last season. He told teams that he was suspended for selling tickets, but he has admitted he was suspended for something else.

"It's me being dumb, just trying to have people leave me alone," Glenn told the AP when asked today about why he gave the Washington media the story about the tickets. "It's something I said that I probably shouldn't have, looking at it now."

What is that something else? He didn't say, but that's likely to be the first question the Redskins (or other teams, if he gets released) will ask. The second question will be "why did you lie?"

An NFL source tells Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post, "good luck whenever he gets waived."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

NFL draft in prime time in 2010?

The NFL draft could go to a new format in 2010.

This year, the NFL draft began at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday with the first round. The first and second rounds were drafted on Saturday.

In the past, the first day of the draft included the first three rounds and started at noon. Last year was the first year where the first day included only the first two rounds.

In 2010, the NFL might switch to a format where the first round would be in prime time on Thursday night. Friday night would be rounds two and three. Then the final four rounds would be drafted on Saturday.

"We're more confident now, with the timing of the first round, that it can fit a 3½-hour window," [NFL Commissioner Roger] Goodell said. "We think it can be very appealing from a fan's standpoint and an audience standpoint.

"We'll talk to our teams about it. We have to see what impact this would have on them. But I think it has potential."

What's better than two days of the NFL draft? Three days.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Did Jets give up too much for Shonn Greene?

Per Rich Cimini of the NY Daily News, the New York Jets gave up too much (their third-, fourth- and seventh-round picks) to move up 11 spots and make the first pick of the second day of the NFL draft.

The Jets used that pick to draft Iowa RB Shonn Greene, who won the Doak Walker award.

Cimini points out the negatives in Greene - not blazing fast (4.6 40 time), not a great receiver and not a physical runner despite frame (5-10 1/2, 227 pounds). He also writes that Thomas Jones, who led the AFC in rushing yet is unhappy with his contract, is not "sitting home, fretting" about the drafting of Greene.

Worst-case scenario, however, Greene provides the Jets with insurance if the Jones' situation gets ugly. That being said, I agree with Cimini that Jones will report for mandatory mini-camp (June).

And I agree with him that Jones will be a cap casualty next off-season before he's due a $3 million bonus if Greene turns out to be as good as the Jets believe he'll be.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Greg Ellis' job security takes a hit

Dallas Cowboys LB Greg Ellis will turn 34 years old this summer and is in the final year of his contract. Today the Cowboys drafted two pass-rushers, who could be lower-cost replacements for Ellis, who will count $6.25 million towards the salary cap.

In the fourth round, the Cowboys selected Oregon State's Victor Butler (110th overall) and Texas Tech's Brandon Williams (120th overall).

Per Tim McMahon of the Dallas Morning News, cutting Ellis would save the Cowboys $4.15 million against the salary cap. However, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says Ellis is on the roster "right now."

"...I know he had that same concern when Spencer came in. He had that same concern when he moved over (from defensive end to outside linebacker). And that's rightfully so. I think the world of Greg, but anything we do there one way or the other, I don't want him to read about it. I want to sit down and talk to him about it."

It sounds like Greg Ellis' days in Dallas are numbered. Gag order coming?

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Broncos trade up to 37 overall

The Denver Broncos have traded with Seattle for the Seahawks' second-round pick (37 overall).

The Broncos selected cornerback Alphonso Smith from Wake Forest.

The Seahawks will get a first-round pick from Denver in 2010.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 32nd-overall pick...

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Evander "Ziggy" Hood, DT from Missouri.

Some players still on the board after round one include Florida State's Everette Brown, USC's Rey Maualuga, Western Michigan's Louis Delmas, Arizona's Eben Britton, Ohio State's James Lauranaitis, Wake Forest's Alphonso Smith and Connecticut's Darius Butler.

Detroit is on the clock to start the second round. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 30th-overall pick...

The Tennessee Titans have selected Kenny Britt, WR from Rutgers.

Britt is a big, physical receiver who runs good routes.

He is the fifth receiver off the board. The first four were Darrius Heyward-Bey (Oakland 7th), Michael Crabtree (San Francisco 10th), Jeremy Maclin (Philadelphia 19th) and Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants 29th).

Arizona is on the clock. Chris "Beanie" Wells from Ohio State would make a lot of sense. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 29th-overall pick...

The New York Giants have selected Hakeem Nicks, WR from North Carolina.

The Giants were looking for a big receiver to replace Plaxico Burress, who was released this off-season. Nicks is a big, physical receiver.

Tennessee is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 25th-overall pick...

The Miami Dolphins have selected Vontae Davis, CB from Illinois.

Davis, who is the brother of San Francisco's Vernon Davis, has all the physical tools, but some question his character.

New England is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 23rd-overall pick...

The Baltimore Ravens, who acquired in the 23rd overall pick from New England, have selected Michael Oher, OT from Mississippi.

Oher has an amazing story and the Ravens are getting a steal here at 23.

Atlanta is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 22nd-overall pick...

The Minnesota Vikings have selected Percy Harvin, WR from Florida.

Harvin is one of the most electrifying players in this year's draft, however, he is full of character concerns. Considering the Vikings wiped 78 players off their board due to character issues, I'm surprised the Vikes selected Harvin.

New England is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 20th-overall pick...

The Detroit Lions have selected Brandon Pettigrew, TE from Oklahoma State.

I expected the Lions to draft an offensive tackle, such as Mississippi's Michael Oher. However, Pettigrew is the best tight end in the draft and a great blocker.

The Lions have the 33rd overall pick and there are some good tackles still on the board (Oher, Connecticut's William Beatty, Arizona's Eben Britton, etc.). My guess is they are thinking they could get one of those guys in the second round with the 33rd overall pick.

Cleveland is on the clock (unless they trade down for a fourth time today). See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 19th-overall pick...

The Philadelphia Eagles have selected WR Jeremy Maclin, WR from Missouri.

The Cleveland Browns have traded their first-round pick for a third time. The traded out of five to the Jets and out of 17th to the Bucs.

I'm surprised the Eagles didn't go after a bigger target at receiver or package their first-round pick in a bid for Anquan Boldin. However, I think Maclin is a good value from the perspective that he was selected 19th overall.

Detroit is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 18th-overall pick...

The Denver Broncos select Robert Ayers, DE from Tennessee.

I expected the Broncos to take two defensive players in the first round. Ayers was the fifth-ranked DE according to Scout.com.

Cleveland is on the clock (again). See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 17th-overall pick...

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have selected Josh Freeman, QB from Kansas State.

The Bucs now have three QBs named Josh on their roster - Freeman, McNown and Johnson. Freeman is raw (compared to the other first-round QBs selected), but he has big-time tools.

Denver is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 15th-overall pick...

The Houston Texans have selected Brian Cushing, LB from USC.

Cushing, who fills a big need for the Texans, is the first USC linebacker taken. Will Rey Maualuga be next to San Diego?

Houston is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 14th-overall pick...

The New Orleans Saints have selected Malcolm Jenkins, DB from Ohio State.

Jenkins would have certainly gone in the top ten if he posted a faster 40 time at the NFL combine. However, he has great size and ball skills.

Houston is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 13th-overall pick...

The Washington Redskins have selected Brian Orakpo, DE from Texas.

The Redskins got a bargain at 13 to go along with their huge free-agent acquisition, Albert Haynesworth. Orakpo fills the need created by Jason Taylor's release.

New Orleans is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 12th-overall pick...

The Denver Broncos have selected Knowshon Moreno, RB from Georgia.

I'm surprised the Broncos went offense, but Moreno is a versatile back. His question marks are durability and top-end speed.

Washington is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the 11th-overall pick...

The Buffalo Bills selected Aaron Maybin, DE from Penn State.

Maybin, who's small but explosive as a DE, didn't even enter last season as a starter for Penn State. But he wreaked a lot of havoc and the Bills need pass-rush help.

Denver is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the tenth-overall pick...

The San Francisco 49ers have selected Michael Crabtree, WR from Texas Tech.

Crabtree won the Fred Biletnikoff award the past two seasons, his only two in college, where he amassed monster numbers. In 2 seasons, Crabtree combined for 231 receptions, 3127 receiving yards and 41 TDs.

Buffalo is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the ninth-overall pick...

The Green Bay Packers have selected B.J. Raji, NT from Boston College.

Raji is huge nose tackle that can eat up space, which is necessary for a 3-4 defense. (The Packers are transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4.) The other three teams in the NFC North all had 1000-yard rushers (Adrian Peterson in Minnesota, Matt Forte in Chicago and Kevin Smith in Detroit) in 2008.

San Francisco is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the eighth-overall pick...

The Jacksonville Jaguars have selected Eugene Monroe, OT from Virginia.

Monroe is a polished tackle, who can play right away. However, he doesn't have as much upside as Baylor's Jason Smith, who was selected by St. Louis, and Alabama's Andre Smith, who was selected by Cincinnati.

Green Bay is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the seventh-overall pick...

The Oakland Raiders have selected Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR from Maryland.

Raiders' owner Al Davis loves speed. So, he selected the fastest WR in this year's draft. Heyward-Bey posted a 4.3 40 at the combine.

This is a very questionable pick bypassing Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree or even Missouri's Jeremy Macklin since he covets speed so much.

Jacksonville is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the sixth-overall pick...

The Cincinnati Bengals have selected Andre Smith, OT from Alabama.

Smith had some character issues (suspended for Bowl game, didn't work out - and disappeared - at the NFL combine, out of shape for his pro day workout, etc.), but he was as good as any tackle on tape.

He won the Outland Trophy last year given to the nation's best lineman.

Oakland is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Terms of Jets-Browns trade

The terms of the Jets-Browns trade was just announced.

The Jets get the Browns' first-round pick (fifth overall), which they used to draft USC QB Mark Sanchez.

In return, the Browns get the Jets' first-round pick (17th overall), second-round pick (52nd overall) as well as DE Kenyon Coleman, QB Brett Ratliff and DB Abram Elam.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the fourth-overall pick...

The Seattle Seahawks select Aaron Curry, LB from Wake Forest.

The Mark-Sanchez-to-Seattle speculation was merely a smokescreen. I think Curry is the best player in the draft so I think the Seahawks get a bargain at number four overall.

Let the bidding war for USC QB Mark Sanchez begin.

Cleveland is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the third-overall pick...

The Kansas City Chiefs have selected Tyson Jackson, DE from LSU.

Jackson, who was slotted at 12 in my mock draft to Denver, is a player that moved up quickly in the past day or so.

The Chiefs may have reached, but he feels a need. Jackson is someone that has been compared to Richard Seymour, who was Chiefs GM Scott Pioli's first pick with the New England Patriots.

Seattle is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

And with the second-overall pick...

The St. Louis Rams have selected Jason Smith, OT from Baylor.

Smith has more upside than Virginia tackle Eugene Monroe and less character concerns than Alabama's Andre Smith.

The Rams released Orlando Pace in the off-season so tackle is a big need and Spagnuolo believes that teams are built from the inside out so Smith is not much of a surprise.

However, there were rumors that the New York Jets were looking to move up the second overall pick by trading their first-round picks this and next year. If the Jets and Rams worked out a trade, they presumably would have selected USC QB Mark Sanchez.

Kansas City is on the clock. See all 2009 NFL Draft Picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Get Pats picks (early) via Twitter

The New England Patriots have indicated that they may "tweet" some of their draft picks via Twitter before they are announced at the NFL draft.

"We might even get a few draft picks out via Twitter before they are announced on TV, so any Patriots fans following the draft closely are encouraged to begin following RealPatriots on Twitter," Patriots Vice President of Media Relations Stacey James said in a statement.

In addition to the Patriots, the San Diego Chargers will be announcing their picks in real time via Twitter as well.

The NFL doesn't currently have a policy prohibiting it, but the league may develop one after the draft.

"After the draft, we will review how the teams are announcing their picks and determine whether we need to develop a policy," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Friday.

The Patriots have 11 picks in the 2009 NFL draft including four picks in the first (23 overall) and second (34, 47 and 58 overall) rounds.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lions, Stafford agree to contract

The Detroit Lions did what they said they would do.

They have reached a deal with the player they will select with today's top overall draft pick. The Lions and Georgia QB Matthew Stafford have agreed to a six-year contract worth as much as $78 million with $41.7 million guaranteed.

"Obviously being the No. 1 pick would be a great honor and going to Detroit would be a lot of fun," Stafford said. "I'm excited about it."

The Lions' lack of success recently is no laughing matter (at least, to Lions' fans), especially after setting the record for most losses in a season with their imperfect season last year.

Per Nicholas Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press, Lions coach Jim Schwartz and Stafford are two of a kind when it comes to sense of humor.

"He is a witty guy, and I feel like I kind of am myself, too," Stafford said. "I try to shoot it back at him as much as I possibly can and have some fun with it. Especially playing quarterback in this league, you've got to be able to react and make decisions quick. That's the last thing on my mind when I'm shooting something back at him, but it probably comes off in a positive light."

While Stafford faces a ton of pressure (comparisons to Bobby Layne (who went to the same high school as Stafford), last year's 0-16 season and the fans who preferred Aaron Curry or Jason Smith) in Detroit, he feels ready to handle it.

Plus, the last Lions' QB to make the Pro Bowl was Greg Landry in 1971. The three QBs the Lions have selected in the first round since Landry (Joey Harrington, Andre Ware and Chuck Long) have all been busts.

"And to the people who doubt me, I try to prove it on the field. That's the No. 1 thing, is try to win football games. That's what it's all about at quarterback. You can have all the stats you want, but it comes down to wins and losses."

The St. Louis Rams are on the clock...

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Giants targeting Heyward-Bey?

It's much easier to find teams willing to trade down than there are teams who desire to move up in the NFL draft this year.

One of the teams that may be looking to move up is the New York Giants.

Per Ralph Vacchiano of the NY Daily News, Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, who posted a 4.3 40 time at the NFL scouting combine, is the Giants' target.

Based on the NFL draft-pick value chart, the Giants, who have the 29th overall pick and 10 total picks in the draft, could move up to 14th if they offer their first-rounder in addition to the picks they were offering the Cleveland Browns for Braylon Edwards. Reports were they offered the Browns the second- and fifth-round picks they had acquired from the Saints for Jeremy Shockey.

The talks between the Browns and Giants regarding Braylon Edwards are reportedly "dead" although Paul Schwartz of the New York Post argues that trade talks were never as serious as reported.

Not only is Heyward-Bey fast, he is a big target (6'2" and 210 pounds) the Giants covet after releasing Plaxico Burress. As a junior, Heyward-Bey had 45 receptions for 694 yards and five TDs last year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Browns to pass on Michael Crabtree?

Apparently the feelings between the Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree and the Cleveland Browns aren't mutual after all.

"I loved Cleveland and would love to play there," Crabtree said in an e-mail. "It's a team with great history and great fans who love football."

Per Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns were turned off the the me-first attitude of Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree. Perhaps enough to take Crabtree off their draft board.

In an interview with USA Today, Crabtree said (essentially) "I'm all that and a bag of chips."

"I am a complete football player. If anybody wonders about me, I'm a complete football player. I can say it twice. You can't do no better," says Crabtree.

In 2 seasons, Crabtree has 231 receptions, 3127 receiving yards and 41 TDs and he has won the Fred Biletnikoff award, which is given to the nation's top receiver, both years.

The Browns have scheduled last-minute workouts with Hakeem Nicks of North Carolina, Kenny Britt of Rutgers and Mohamed Massaquoi of Georgia.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lions have deal for Curry in place, Stafford next?

The Detroit Lions have stated that it's their desire and intention to have a contract in place with whomever they select number one overall before Saturday's NFL draft begins at 4 p.m.

The three players believed to be in the mix to be their pick are Georgia QB Matthew Stafford, Baylor OT Jason Smith and Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry. Per Tom Kowalski of MLive.com, a deal is in place with Curry although it is believed that Stafford will be the pick.

Fellow QB prospect, USC's Mark Sanchez, who several (not me) believe will go fourth overall to Seattle, says the Lions are "really in love with" Stafford and that "Stafford has locked that one down."

There have been intense negotiations over the past two days between Stafford and the Lions. However, the Lions have denied reports that surfaced suggesting that a deal in place between the big-armed QB and the Lions.

A factor that makes the negotiations more interesting is that agent Tom Condon represents both Stafford and Smith.

It is believed the Lions' offer to Stafford is their best offer. So, if Condon and Stafford don't agree to the Lions offer before the draft, the Lions will go with Curry.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Percy Harvin flunks drug test

University of Florida wide receiver Percy Harvin had already seen his draft stock drop due to questions about his character.

On a survey of high-level NFL team executives released a few weeks ago by Pro Football Weekly, Harvin topped the list of potential first-round picks with character issues. In other words, he ranked as the riskiest of all in that group.

Per FoxSports.com, Harvin flunked his drug test he had taken at the NFL scouting combine in February. Both Harvin and North Carolina receiver Brandon Tate have tested positive for marijuana.

Harvin was projected as a first-round pick while Tate was projected as a first- or second-round pick.

With the combine being the most important "job interview" of their lives, Harvin and Tate are idiots for putting themselves in a position to fail a drug test that they know is going to be administered. They deserve to have their draft stocks plummet.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ryan Del Rosal impressing scouts

Is that AAA? Or a tackle?

Ryan Del Rosal, an offensive tackle from Dixie State in Utah, is getting noticed by NFL scouts.

Del Rosal is 6'5" and 311 pounds and he has impressed with his athletic ability. He benched 225 pounds 35 times and ran a sub-5.0 40.

One of his training methods? Pulling a "5,000-pound Chevy Tahoe down the street with a harness attached to his back."

Interestingly enough, his father is in the "towing business." But my guess is he tows vehicles with the help of a truck -- not a harness strapped to his back.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Demetrius Byrd hospitalized after car accident

Ex-LSU wide receiver Demetrius Byrd was hospitalized after a car accident in his hometown of Miami after his tire blew out and his car struck a utility pole.

"I just spoke with Demetrius' mother and she said that he has mostly bumps and bruises," Byrd's junior college coach, Tim Hatten of Pearl River Community College, told ESPN's Joe Schad. "She said his injuries are not life threatening and should not be football threatening."

"This tragic accident puts in perspective just how fragile life can be," said LSU head coach Les Miles. "Demetrius is an outstanding young man with a bright future ahead of him. He was a joy to coach and he brought a great smile and a wonderful attitude to our football team. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as we hope for a speedy recovery."

Byrd was rated as 22nd-best WR in this year's draft and as a "talented receiver with a great upside." Last year, Byrd finished with 37 receptions, 513 yards and four touchdowns.

Although Byrd's still in the hospital, per his agent David Dunn, "... we are optimistic that he will make a full recovery."

It's great news that Byrd will make a full recovery, but horrible timing for the prospect. He was projected to be a mid-round selection. Now it's likely that he'll go undrafted.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Kenny Britt to visit with Browns

The Cleveland Browns haven't scored an offensive touchdown since week 11 (November 17) of the 2008 NFL season.

Since the season ended, they traded away TE Kellen Winslow Jr to the Buccaneers and will likely lose Donte Stallworth, who faces DUI manslaughter charges. In addition, there is a strong possibility that they will trade WR Braylon Edwards with the Giants being the likely destination.

If they enter the 2009 season without Edwards, Stallworth and Winslow, their receiving leader among returning players will be back-up TE Steve Heiden (23 receptions for 249 yards).

The Browns, who hold the fifth overall pick in this year's draft, may draft Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree, the top-rated WR in this year's draft. However, many expect that the Browns add a pass-rusher such as Brian Orakpo of Texas.

Per Steve Wyche of NFL.com, the Browns will visit with a receiver who may or may not be available when they make their second-round pick (number 36 overall). Cleveland will host Rutgers' Kenny Britt on Friday, which is the day before the draft.

Britt (6'3" and 218 pound) finished his three-year career at Rutgers as the Big East conference's all-time leader in receiving yards (3043) and fourth all-time in receptions (178).

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mark Sanchez to workout for Broncos

Stranger things have happened.

However, it's all but guaranteed that Georgia QB Matthew Stafford will be long gone when the Denver Broncos make their first pick.

And USC QB Mark Sanchez will most likely be selected somewhere in the top ten. In fact, I have the San Francisco 49ers selecting Sanchez with the tenth overall pick in my mock draft.

With the 12th and 18th picks in this year's draft, the Broncos might have a shot to take Sanchez at 12 if he falls on draft day. Or the Broncos, who are equipped with five picks in the top 82 picks, could trade up if they deem that Sanchez is their guy.

Per Mike Klis of the Denver Post, the Broncos will host Sanchez for a private workout on Tuesday.

Per Mike Mayock of NFL Network, Sanchez is the best of the likely first-round quarterbacks (Stafford, Sanchez and Kansas State's Josh Freeman).

"Sanchez is most accurate of the three," Mayock said. "He might not have as much arm strength. He might not be quite as exciting. But at the end of the day, if I've got a top-10 pick and my job is on the line at the quarterback position, I'm taking Sanchez."

Whether or not they draft Sanchez, the Broncos will likely draft a QB somewhere since they currently have only two QBs on the roster - Orton and Chris Simms.

"You don't want to go into training camp with only two quarterbacks, certainly, but it's doable if that's what the situation is," Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said. "But you would love to have a third quarterback that could be competitive."

Having coached Tom Brady, a former sixth-round pick, and Matt Cassel, a former seventh-round pick, in New England, McDaniels may not feel the need to draft their QB of the future in the first round. Plus, the reason the Broncos took the trade proposal from the Bears over that from the Redskins had to do with McDaniels preference of Kyle Orton over Jason Campbell.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Is Stafford to Detroit a "done deal"?

Per Pro Football Talk, Georgia junior QB Matthew Stafford is telling his former Georgia teammates that he will be the Lions selection as the first overall pick in this year's draft.

In fact, Stafford is calling it a "done deal."

Coming off an 0-16 season, it would be difficult to sell the turnaround story to Lions fans if they entered the 2009 season with Daunte Culpepper, Drew Stanton and Drew Henson as their QBs as Gary Myers of the Daily News points out.

With Stafford, who attended the same high school as Bobby Layne did, and receiver Calvin Johnson, the Lions will be armed (no pun intended) with big-play potential for the next decade.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

NFL Mock Draft 1.0

All the kids are doing it. So we caved to the peer pressure and have released our 2009 NFL Mock Draft.

Here are our top 10 picks:

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
4. Seattle Seahawks: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
9. Green Bay Packers: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
10. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

Click here to see the rest of our first-round mock draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Percy Harvin - first-rounder or not?

Based on character concerns, Pro Football Weekly ranked their list of riskiest first-round prospects in this year's NFL draft. The player sitting at the top of that list is Florida's talented wide receiver Percy Harvin.

Harvin has been linked to a low Wonderlick score, marijuana usage and a lack of "coachability." All are rumors until confirmed, however, perception is often reality.

"He's as talented as anyone in the draft this year," said Gil Brandt, the longtime general manager of Tom Landry's Dallas Cowboys and now a draft analyst for NFL.com. "But he has those off-field problems, and that's going to knock him down a little bit."

Brandt points out that some times an agent of another player at your position could leak information about another player's character.

"If you move up from the 12th spot to the ninth spot, there might be $3 million involved," Brandt said. "How did someone find out about Harvin? Did Kenny Britt's agent do this? Did (Darius) Heyward-Bay's? You just don't know."

I guess everything is fair in love, war and the NFL draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Big changes coming to Browns' offense?

Per Michael Lombardi of National Football Post, the Cleveland Browns are engaged in talks with teams on trades for QB Brady Quinn and WR Braylon Edwards.

According to Lombardi, two teams are interested in Quinn and there is currently an offer of a first-round pick for Quinn on the table. However, the Browns may be looking for more.

Browns coach Eric Mangini has said that there will be an open competition between Quinn and Derek Anderson.

Lombardi also says that the Browns have a first-round offer for Edwards and believes he will be traded before the start of the season. In addition, the Browns are interested in Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree, who has been compared to Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Raiders to workout Heyward-Bey

The Oakland Raiders hold the seventh overall pick in this year's NFL draft. And Raiders' owner Al Davis loves himself receivers with speed.

So, does that mean that the Raiders will take Maryland's Darrius Heyward-Bey, who ran the fastest 40 time at the NFL combine (4.30), with the number seven pick?

Per Ken Murray of The Baltimore Sun, the Raiders worked out Heyward-Bey today at the University of Maryland.

Unless the Raiders trade down, I don't expect them to select Heyward-Bey in the first round even if NFL Network's Mike Mayock does. I expect the Raiders to take Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Vikings remove 78 guys from draft board

The Minnesota Vikings have knocked 78 guys off their draft board due to character and/or injury concerns.

After a thorough background check, a player can get the "red dot," which will lead to their removal from the Vikings' draft list. Once a player is marked with a "red dot," it cannot be removed.

"You don't want to bring a guy in that the coaches don't want," [Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick] Spielman said. "That's where you kind of get into some scenarios that, 'OK, why don't we want this guy in? Does he fit our offense? Is it the type of character guy [we want]?' ... Everybody gets to weigh in their opinions, and we decide what's best for the organization."

The Vikings, who have the 22nd overall pick, could target an offensive tackle, wide receiver or cornerback with their first pick.

The NFL allows for visits with 30 players from non-area schools and the Vikings have met with 28 players thus far.

Per the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, some of the players include: receivers Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland), Percy Harvin (Florida) and Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina); quarterback Josh Freeman (Kansas State); tackle Eben Britton (Arizona); and defensive backs D.J. Moore (Vanderbilt) and Alphonso Smith (Wake Forest).

Apparently, Spielman (or another high-ranking Vikings official) did not participate as one of the five high-ranking league executives in Pro Football Weekly's survey of riskiness based on character concerns of first-round prospects. Harvin, who visited with the Vikings, ranked as the riskiest prospect.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 03:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

USC WR Patrick Turner to visit Titans, Cowboys

Per Ed Thompson of Scout.com, USC wide receiver Patrick Turner will visit with a pair of NFL teams next week. He is scheduled to visit with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday and with the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday and Friday.

Turner is a big receiver (6'5" and 223 pounds) that has good hands. However, he is not very fast (4.70 40 time).

In his three seasons with SoCal, Turner recorded 138 receptions for 1752 yards and 17 touchdowns. Last season, Turner had a career-high 10 touchdowns.

Scout.com ranks Turner as the 20th best WR in this year's class and he won't be drafted until the later rounds.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Maclin to visit Browns next week

Missouri receiver/returner Jeremy Maclin is going to visit the Cleveland Browns next week.

Maclin is generally rated as the second-best receiver in this year's draft class behind Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree, the two-time Biletnikoff Award winner.

Most project Maclin to not make it past the Raiders, who have the seventh overall pick, as Raiders' owner Al Davis covets speed. Crabtree was the most profilic WR at collegiate level over the past two seasons, but Maclin is faster (40 times of 4.48 at NFL Combine and 4.40 at his pro day).

At the NFL combine, the Browns and Giants had cursory talks involving Browns' receiver Braylon Edwards, who had a breakout year in 2007 and led the league in drops in 2008.

I expect the Browns to go with defense with their first-round pick (number five overall). However, if they draft a receiver, Crabtree, who is a bigger, more physical receiver, would make sense for an AFC North team that plays in cold weather.

But if the Browns draft Maclin (or Crabtree), Fox Sports points out that it could spell the end for Edwards in Cleveland.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

NFL to expand number of prospects in house for draft

The NFL will increase the number of prospects invited to the NFL draft on April 25-26.

Normally, the NFL invites six prospects. This year, they will invite at least ten.

USC QB Mark Sanchez was invited to New York, but he has opted to spend draft day in California with his family.

Those who have accepted or are expected to attend are: USC LB Brian Cushing, Georgia QB Matthew Stafford, Kansas State QB Josh Freeman, Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry, Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree, Virginia OT Eugene Monroe, Mississippi OT Michael Oher, Texas DE Brian Orakpo and Baylor OT Jason Smith.

An official announcement of attendees will be made on Monday.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

B.J. Raji fails drug test

Since last season, Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji has seen his draft stock soar. Raji had a strong 2008 campaign, strong week of practice at Senior Bowl and good workouts at the NFL combine and his pro day.

Raji, who was projected as a top 10 pick, may now see his draft stock drop. Per Sports Illustrated, Raji failed a drug test taken at the NFL combine in February.

"Brian Murphy, Chief Operating Officer of Athletes First, which represents Raji, told SI.com: 'We will not comment on rumors from unnamed sources. I do know that B.J. has been one of the hardest workers and nicest individuals that we at Athletes First represent. There is no doubt that he will be an invaluable addition to an NFL team both on the field as a player and in the community as a role model.'"

Raji had also tested positive for marijuana when he was at BC before the 2008 season and missed the 2007 season due to academic reasons.

In 2008, Raji had 42 tackles (16 for a loss) and eight sacks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Raheem Morris compares Freeman to Roethlisberger

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris has been with the Bucs since 2002 except for one season. In that season (2006), Morris was defensive coordinator for Kansas State.

The QB for Kansas State in 2006 was Josh Freeman, who's projected to be the third QB selected in this year's draft.

Morris has compared Freeman to the current QB for Steelers' coach Mike Tomlin, who's one of his mentors.

"I was with him for a year," said Morris. "Absolute specimen to look at. Physical. Tall, big. Big arm. Deceptively quick, even though the 40 time says 4.8, he's got that Ben Roethlisberger effect where he's hard to tackle once you get back there, so you'd better send somebody blitzing big enough to get him on the ground."

As Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times points out, skepticism is required when a coach or franchise is publicly high on a player. And it's possible that the junior QB can be gone before the Bucs make their selection at pick #19.

The Bucs are certainly in need of a franchise QB. But so are the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets, who all pick ahead of the Bucs. Even the Bears, who have the 18th pick, might be tempted to take a QB although I expect them to take either a tackle or receiver.

With the 19th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select...

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Parcells and Sparano work out Hakeem Nicks

Per Edgar Thompson of the Palm Beach Post, Miami Dolphins VP Bill Parcells and coach Tony Sparano headed north to Chapel Hill, NC for a private workout with some Tar Heels' players including WR Hakeem Nicks. It is uncommon for Parcells to take a road trip for private workouts.

As Keyshawn Johnson recently pointed out, Parcells prefers bigger receivers unlike Ted Ginn Jr., who is currently the top receiver on the team's depth chart. Nicks is a big receiver (6'0 3/4", 216 pounds) that would fit the mold of what Parcells likes in a receiver.

Nicks had the best game of his career in his last collegiate game, the Meineke Car Care Bowl - 217 receiving yards and 3 TDs.

However, Nicks may not be available when the Dolphins pick at 25 at next month's NFL draft. Some mock drafts have Nicks going to the Jets at 17 or the Bears at 18.

Even if Nicks is still on the board at 25, Johnson doesn't believe that the 'Fins will use their first-round pick on a receiver. There is a good chance the Dolphins will address other areas, such as CB and OLB, in the first round.

As Keyshawn pointed out, the Dolphins are likely to target Cal Poly WR Ramses Barden, an even bigger receiver who is projected as a third-rounder.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

NFL announces compensatory draft picks

The NFL announced the compensatory draft picks for the 2009 NFL draft, which begins at noon on Saturday, April 25th.

Based on a formula, the NFL awards compensatory picks based on a team losing more or better free agents than it acquires in return in the previous off-season. The number and placement of picks are determined by performance and pay of those pay agents.

Of the 32 picks awarded, the Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals received four picks each, which is the maximum. Fourteen other teams received compensatory picks as follows:

3 picks each: Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks
2 picks each: Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers
1 pick each: Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Keyshawn Johnson on Fins WRs

Keyshawn Johnson thinks that Miami Dolphins' WR Ted Ginn Jr. "had a good year, but he's a guy that is not your elite receiver. He's a good No. 2." Ginn, who was taken ninth in 2007 by the Dolphins, is the only receiver taken in the first round by the Fins in the past 11 years.

"The problem you have with him is he can run like a deer and he can play like a deer - scared."

It's exactly earth-shattered news that Keyshawn is willing to share his opinion on a topic, any topic, and that he doesn't think Ginn is an "elite receiver."

Johnson says he knows what kind of WR Bill Parcells likes. Someone like, well, him. In other words, a receiver that is big, strong and can line up inside or outside.

He went on to say that Parcells believes WRs are "a dime a dozen" so he won't draft one in the first round. The Dolphins have the 25th pick in this year's draft.

Instead, he thinks Parcells will target someone like Cal Poly's Ramses Barden.

"I like his size. He attacks the football," Johnson said. "He doesn't look like he's fast, but he gets down the field because he has a long stride. I think he'd fit good with Ted Ginn."

Barden, who's 6'6" and weighs 227 pounds, is projected as a third-round pick. He improved on his Combine performance in the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day Friday when he ran 4.51 and 4.55.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Crabtree won't run, will have surgery Wednesday

Michael Crabtree, who's the consensus top WR in this year's draft, has changed his mind and will not run at his pro day. Instead, he will have surgery on his foot on Wednesday, which will allow him to get healthier sooner.

He was scheduled to run at his pro day on March 26th and the surgery will sideline Crabtree for roughly 10 weeks. At the combine, he said he'd run. Then a few days later, he was "50-50" on running.

“After thorough consideration and discussion with my advisers and doctors, I decided to have the surgery rather than risk any further injury,” Crabtree said in a statement. “As a competitor, I wanted to run at my pro day, but it became clear that the best thing for me is to have the surgery and be ready to get on the field as soon as possible.”

This is the right decision. Perhaps a knock on Crabtree is that many expected his forty time to be in the 4.5-range or higher. But Crabtree has dominated DBs in his 2 years as a collegiate WR winning the Fred Biletnikoff award, which is given to the nation's top receiver, both seasons.

In 2 seasons, Crabtree has 231 receptions, 3127 receiving yards and 41 TDs. The production and tapes speak for themselves.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Matthew Stafford: "I would love to go to Detroit"

Georgia junior QB Matthew Stafford could be the #1 overall selection in this year's NFL draft.

"I'm being completely honest, and it has nothing to do with money -- I would love to go to Detroit," Stafford said. "My friends say, 'C'mon, gimme a break.' But I'm a competitive guy. The Lions have passionate fans, a great stadium, and I'd be throwing to the biggest freak (Calvin Johnson), with the most talent, of any receiver in the NFL."

This statement is 100% accurate minus the part that is not.

As you say Matthew, "c'mon, gimme a break." To say "it has nothing to do with money" is like Alex Rodriguez saying he doesn't know what was being injected into his body.

I'll give you that CJ is the "biggest freak" and has the "most talent" at WR. Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson are better right now, but in a year or two, I expect CJ to absolutely dominate. Although 78 catches for 1331 yards and 12 TDs when Dan Orlovsky is throwing to you could qualify as domination.

That being said, let's say that the Detroit Lions, who have the #1 overall pick, swap picks with the San Francisco 49ers, who have the #10 overall pick. And the 49ers don't have a bonafide #1 WR like the Lions do.

But do you believe that Stafford "would love to go to Detroit" if Detroit were picking 10th? Me neither. Why? Because it's about the money.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Michael Crabtree re-thinking decision to run

When it was revealed that Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree, the consensus top-rated WR in the draft, had a stress fracture in his foot, Crabtree insisted that he would run the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day on March 26th and put off surgery to after the 26th.

Now Crabtree says that he is "50-50" on whether he'll run for scouts.

His decision to run or not shouldn't affect his draft status much. Crabtree put up monster numbers at Texas Tech and there is ton of tape available on him. He is still the consensus #1 WR and nobody expects him (healthy foot or not) to post a great 40 time.

If I were him, I would let the tapes speak for themselves rather than risk further injury. If he has surgery now (10-week rehab timeframe), there is a chance he'll be ready for rookie camp and/or OTAs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Day cut short for Maualuga and Orakpo

The day didn't go as planned for USC MLB Rey Maualuga and Texas DE Brian Orakpo. Both Maualuga, the top-rated MLB by Scout.com, Orakpo, the #2-rated DE by Scouts.com, were held back by hamstring injuries today at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Orakpo finished 2nd in the vertical jump (39.5"), 3rd in the forty (4.7) and 7th in bench press (31 reps with 225 lbs). According to NFL.com, Orakpo is o.k. and just has a tweaked hamstring.

Maualuga has been bothered by a bad hammy for the past couple of weeks and reaggravated it during his first 40-yard dash. (All players get 2 attempts at the forty.)

“I could feel it for the past two weeks,” Mauluga told the NFL Network’s Scott Hanson. “I just wanted to come out here and compete with the very best. I wanted to show the coaches and scouts I could do everything. Now I’m just going to go to the trainer and get right and hopefully be able to do the Pro Day."

Orakpo's Pro Day is March 25th and Maualuga's Pro Day is April 1st.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Aaron Curry's draft stock up...#1 overall?

Many project the Detroit Lions to take a franchise QB, specifically Georgia junior Matthew Stafford, with the 1st overall pick in this year's NFL draft. However, after his NFL Scouting Combine performance today, Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry may be changing some minds.

Of course, the most important mind belongs to Jim Schwartz, the Lions new head coach. Curry says he used the lunch he had with the Lions as motivation during his workout today.

“Just to know that they’re considering taking a linebacker No. 1 overall … just that whole thought process is amazing,” Curry said. “I came out here today with that in the back of my head."

He finished first in the following combine drills for LBs: 40-yard dash (4.56), vertical jump (37"), broad jump (10'4") and 60-yard shuttle (11:35).

Curry is the top-rated defensive player of most draft boards and is likely to be selected with one of the top 3-5 picks. He is being labeled the "safest pick" in this year's draft.

Before Curry's combine workout, ESPN's Kevin Siefert asked Schwartz about Curry, who won the Butkus award as the nation's top LB.

He plays 'Sam,' but it was interesting at Wake. He played an on-the-ball 'Sam' linebacker, which not a lot of people play anymore. You have to be really strong. But they also put him out in space ... almost like a nickel back. Those are two almost mutually exclusive skill sets.

It's tough to pass on a franchise QB. But if the choice were mine, I'd go with Curry since the Lions have so many holes to fill and selecting an underclassman QB is risky. (Of course, if Matt Millen were running the show, he'd pick Michael Crabtree.)

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mizzou's Maclin returns to Combine drills after fall

The player that had the biggest opportunity to take advantage of Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree's foot injury was Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin. Heading into the NFL Scouting Combine, Crabtree and Maclin were universally considered the 1st and 2nd best WR in the draft, respectively.

After falling while participating in the today's WR drills, Maclin was helped off the field and examined by the trainers.

As NFL.com reports, Maclin, who returned to the drills, didn't look 100%, but felt comfortable enough to continue participating in the drills.

In 2008, Maclin had 102 receptions for 1260 yards and 13 TDs in 14 games. In his freshman year (2007), Maclin had 80 receptions for 1055 yards and 9 TDs.

Maclin was also a dangerous return man. He averaged 24.1 yards/kickoff return and 12 yards/punt return in his career. He had 5 return TDs (2 kickoff and 3 punt) in his career as well.

Maclin says he will participate at his pro day on March 5th.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Michael Crabtree has stress fracture in foot

Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree is the consensus top-ranked WR in this year's NFL draft. Several mock drafts have him going as high as #4 to Seattle (see full draft order).

But a bone scan at the Combine on Friday revealed that Crabtree has a stress fracture in his left foot.

He says he will run at his Pro Day, currently scheduled for March 26th, and then have surgery. He even mentioned in an interview with NFL Network that he may move his Pro Day up.

In his 2 seasons at Texas Tech, Crabtree won the Fred Biletnikoff award, which is given to college football's top WR, both years. Because of his performance on-the-field, which matters the most, his draft stock shouldn't take much of a hit (if any at all).

Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith says: “He’s not going to play anytime soon, as I see it. It’s not a career-ending injury or anything like that. He’s a good football player. He has got plenty of time to get well. I don’t think it’ll hurt him a lot. Everybody has a history. He has a history; his history is pretty good. I think he’ll be OK.”

Kansas City Chiefs GM Scott Pioli says: “You’ve got a bunch of tapes to watch guys. From our standpoint, we evaluate guys on how they play football, not just on how they run. Football players play with injuries; football players get injuries. The combine is great, but you watch players perform on tape. That’s really the top evaluation.”

When Crabtree has surgery on his foot, he is expected to miss 6-10 weeks so he'll miss rookie mini-camp, which usually happens right after the NFL draft. He should be ready to go for any team's mini-camp in June or training camp in July.

In his rookie season (2007), Crabtree had 134 receptions for 1962 yards and 22 TDs. Last year, he had 97 receptions for 1165 yards and 19 TDs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

LT Andre Smith won't work out at Combine

In a move that virtually guarantees he won't be selected with the first overall draft pick in this year's NFL draft, Alabama LT Andre Smith has announced that he won't work out at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

This year's class of tackles is strong with Jason Smith of Baylor, Eugene Monroe of Virginia and Michael Oher of Mississippi. Along with Alabama's Smith, these are the consensus top 4 tackles.

That being said, Smith's confession that he's not physically ready for what is the NFL's biggest and most important mass interview really hurts his draft stock.

The Detroit Lions, who have the 1st overall pick in this year's draft, may select a QB and specifically Georgia's Matthew Stafford. But if they decide to select a LT instead, they almost certainly won't select Andre Smith and they shouldn't as Chris Burke of AOL's NFL Fanhouse argues (against his earlier suggestion).

The difference between going in the top couple of picks and perhaps in the 10-15 range could be huge.

For example, Michigan tackle Jake Long, selected 1st overall by the Dolphins last year, signed a 5-year, $57.5 million contract with $30 million guaranteed.

The second tackle selected, Boise State's Ryan Clady earned considerably less. Clady, who was selected by the Broncos with the 12th overall pick, signed a 6-year, $17.5 million contract with $11.5 million guaranteed.

Smith's only workout will be at his pro day at Alabama on March 11th.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Navy FB Kettani not allowed to participate at NFL Combine

Jeffrey Fowler, the U.S. Naval Academy superintendent, has decided to not allow Navy FB Eric Kettani to participate in the NFL Combine, which begins on February 18th at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

"A number of factors were considered with regard to this issue," [Cmdr. Joe] Carpenter said. "(Kettani) was denied participation because it would not be consistent with current Navy efforts to support active-duty readiness during wartime. His participation in the NFL Combine could incorrectly imply that the Navy would support him in pursuing a professional football career immediately after graduation."

Kettani is 6'1" and 243 pounds and runs a 4.6 forty-yard dash. Kettani, who impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl, finished the season with 982 yards rushing and 4 TDs on 190 carries.

Kettani has a 5-year military obligation to serve post-graduation.

"I respect the academy's decision. I have never asked to get out of my service obligation," said Kettani.

At least, the Navy won't flip flop with Kettani the way the Army did with Caleb Campbell, who was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 7th-round in 2008 and then told he couldn't play.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Eugene Monroe focused on NFL combine

University of Virginia OT Eugene Monroe tries not to listen to what others have to say about him or where he's projected to be drafted. However, he is likely to be a top 10 pick in this year's NFL draft in late-April.

Monroe is the #2-ranked tackle according to Scouts.com and NFL Network's Mike Mayock. Scouts ranks Michael Oher of Mississippi as #1 and Mayock ranks Jason Smith of Baylor as #1.

Monroe, Oher, (Jason) Smith and Andre Smith of Alabama are the top 4 tackles in the draft.

"The goal right now is preparing for the combine, because that's the next step for me. I can't dictate where I'm drafted. All I can do is to continue to position myself as the best player at my position. So hearing all those things, I pretty much let it go in one ear and out the other."

Regardless of where he'll be drafted, the next step is the NFL combine, which begins on February 18th.

According to Monroe's mother, "it seemed like overnight he matured" after his father passed away when Monroe was in the fifth grade.

Monroe, who graduated early this December, didn't grow up a big NFL fan although he claims to be a Packers fan due to Reggie White.

"I've never really had a big interest," Monroe said. "If you asked me football history, I'd give you blank answers."

The Green Bay Packers pick 9th and aren't projected to use the pick with an offensive tackle. But there is a very good chance that Monroe will be long gone by the time they pick. Just don't tell Monroe that.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 11:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Penn State's Derrick Williams - next double-threat?

Penn State senior WR Derrick Williams, who was the #1 recruiting prospect in 2005 according to Rivals.com, has been impressive at the Senior Bowl practices.

Rivals.com ranks him as the #78 NFL Draft prospect based on his "upside."

A gifted athlete, but his production never has matched the skill. A real boom-or-bust prospect who will be selected a lot higher than many think because of his upside.

Williams is a superb athlete, who has the ability to contribute on offense and special teams. In their win against Illinois this season, Williams had a receiving TD, a rushing TD and a return TD to become the only player in Nittany Lion history to record all 3 in the same game.

But on the season, Williams only had 44 catches for 485 yards and 4 TDs. He finished 3rd on the team in receiving yards behind Deon Butler (820) and Jordan Norwood (637).

Williams had only 1 game with at least 10 receptions and only 1 game with 100+ receiving yards in his 4-year career. Over his 4 years, he had 161 receptions for 1743 yards and 9 TDs.

By comparison, Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree, the NFL draft's top WR prospect, had 134 receptions for 1962 yards and 22 TDs in his freshman season last year.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Harvin to go pro, Spikes back to Florida

Today is the deadline for the underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft. And that is just what Florida WR Percy Harvin did.

"I will have a lot of great memories from my time at Florida, but the [BCS] championships we won in 2006 and 2008 will be at the top of my list," Harvin said in a statement released by the university. "When it is all said and done, I wanted to win. I wanted to be a part of championship teams."

Harvin had a big game against Oklahoma in the BCS Championship Game. He had 50 yards receiving (5 catches) and 121 yards rushing (9 carries) and a TD.

On the season, Harvin had 40 receptions, 645 yards receiving and 7 receiving TDs. He also had 659 yards rushing on 70 carries and scored 10 rushing TDs.

Although Harvin is leaving, Gators LB Brandon Spikes is returning for his senior season. Earlier this week, Tim Tebow announced that he would return to Florida as well.

"It was a tough decision for me and my family," Spikes said. "I just felt like it was the right choice to come back. I love the coaching staff and my teammates and I look forward to playing another year in front of the best fans in America."

Spikes was a first-team AP All-American LB selection this year. The other 2 were USC's Rey Maualuga and Ohio State's James Laurinaitis.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

USC QB Mark Sanchez to enter NFL draft

Earlier this week, the USC Trojans found out that safety Taylor Mays will return for his senior season although it was expected that he would declare for the NFL draft.

Today the Trojans weren't as fortunate. SoCal QB Mark Sanchez will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

"It has been my dream since I was just a little kid to play in the NFL and thanks to this great academic institution and football program, I have the opportunity to realize that dream," said Sanchez, dapperly dressed in a business suit.

"It was with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to this university. But I can't tell you how excited I am for this dream to come true," he said.

USC coach Pete Carroll disagrees with the decision. But, of course, Carroll has a conflict of interest in giving his advice to Sanchez. And I think Carroll is strictly looking out for his own (and not that of Sanchez) best interest with his recommendation.

"We don't see this decision the same... Mark is going against the grain on this decision and he knows that. He knows that coming out early is a tremendous challenge for a quarterback and the statistics don't back up that it's easy to be successful in the way that he's going about it," Carroll said."

Considering how well Sanchez played in the Rose Bowl (413 passing yards and 4 TDs), he is leaving USC on a high. Sanchez threw for 3207 yards and 34 TDs on the season.

Sanchez will graduate in May and has the possibility of being the #1 QB (and even the #1 player) selected in this year's draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Pitt's LeSean McCoy to enter NFL draft

Pittsburgh RB LeSean McCoy has announced that he will skip his final 2 years of eligibility and enter the 2009 NFL draft.

"I'm shifty," McCoy said. "I can make you miss. I can do a lot of things. I got a good report. I love Pitt, but this is a great opportunity.

McCoy kept saying that he would return to Pitt, but it makes sense that he enter the draft considering the length of an NFL RB career.

McCoy spent a season in between high school and college at a prep school after injuring his ankle when a senior in high school.

"As a result of a season-ending injury my senior year, I learned a humbling lesson," McCoy said. "Nothing is promised to us and it can all be taken away in a moment."

McCoy had 1488 rushing yards and 21 rushing TDs this season. As a freshman, he had 1328 yards and 14 TDs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

OU's Sam Bradford to return to Sooners

Oklahoma Sooners QB Sam Bradford has decided to return and play for the Sooners in 2009.

"I've dreamed about playing at Oklahoma since I was little," Bradford said. "My three years here been probably the three of best years of my life. ... I feel there's no need to cut this experience short."

Sam Bradford won Heisman trophy this year. Texas' Colt McCoy, who finished 2nd in the voting, and Florida's Tim Tebow, who finished 3rd, have already announced they will play college football for one more season.

Bradford would have likely challenged Matthew Stafford as the first QB selected in this year's draft.

Bradford threw 50 TDs and 8 INTs and for 4721 yards this season. In addition, he threw for 300+ yards 11 times out of 14 games.

Other prominent Sooners players will return to OU for another season including DT Gerald McCoy, TE Jermaine Gresham and OT Trent Williams.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Taylor Mays will return to USC for senior season

USC junior safety Taylor Mays, 3-year starter and All-American, will return to USC for his senior season.

"At the beginning of the season, I wanted to leave," Mays said then. "Halfway through, it was 50-50. Now, if I do leave, it feels like a perfect way to go if I leave. That would be the way to do it."

At 6'3" and 230 pounds, Mays was named ESPN The Magazine's #2 workout warrior runs a 4.3 40-yard dash, has a 41-inch vertical and benches 225 pounds for 26 reps.

It's unusual for freakish athletes projected to be first-rounders to return to school. Unless, of course, their school is USC.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 10:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ball State QB Nate Davis declares for NFL draft

Ball State junior QB Nate Davis will skip his senior season and will enter the NFL draft.

"I know what I'm about to do won't be easy," Davis said in a statement. "But it's what my heart and head want to do at this time. It's the right thing for me and my family at this time."

In 3 seasons, Davis threw for 9233 yards and 74 TDs. He also threw 22 INTs.

Davis is projected to be a 3rd-round pick.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Penn State's Aaron Maybin to go pro

Penn State sophomore DE Aaron Maybin will give up his final 2 seasons of eligibility and enter the 2009 NFL draft.

"Leaving Penn State was one of the most difficult decisions I've faced," Maybin said in a statement. "In the end, I've decided this is an opportunity I would like to pursue."

He's going to be a (high) first-round draft pick, but some scouts question whether he's ready for the next level or not.

"He's not ready for the next level," NFL draft analyst Chris Steuber of scout.com said.

Steuber went on to note, "I think it was evident on the field during the [Rose Bowl]. I think he was manhandled at the line. ... To me, he's just an undersized defensive end right now. You look at him, he's so skinny, he looks like a tight end or a wide receiver on the field.

"He still needs another year in college," Steuber added.

Maybin, 6'4" and 245 pounds, led the Big Ten in sacks (12.5) this season becoming a Nittany Lion starter after the team suspended DE Maurice Evans.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Pair of Utes heading to NFL

After finishing a perfect 13-0, a pair of Utah Utes' defensive stars will leave the school and enter the NFL draft.

Sophomore DE Paul Kruger will skip his final 2 seasons of eligibility and Junior CB Sean Smith will skip his final season of eligibility.

Smith, the 6'3" CB who expects to run in the 4.35-4.45 range, had 5 interceptions this year. Kruger had 8 sacks and 16.5 tackles for a loss.

Both are projected to be first-day selections. The first 2 rounds of the NFL draft are held on day 1. Rounds 3-7 are held on day 2.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 12:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tim Tebow to return to Florida

Florida junior QB Tim Tebow will return to Florida and have the opportunity to become a 3-time national champion (of course, you could argue about whether they "won" it this year) and a 2-time Heisman trophy winner.

"Overall, I just felt loyal to this place," Tebow said. "I feel like I'm a role model, and a lot of times people start things and don't finish them. I didn't want to be like that. I wanted to be loyal to the university. I wanted to finish what I started and play another year."

Last year, Tim Tebow became the first sophomore to ever win the Heisman trophy. This year, he finished 3rd to Oklahoma's Sam Bradford and Texas' Colt McCoy. (See past winners.)

McCoy announced he'll return for his senior season at Texas, but Bradford hasn't yet indicated his intentions. If Bradford does declare, either he or Georgia's Matthew Stafford will be the first QB selected in this year's draft.

The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft is January 15th.

If Tebow left for the NFL draft, he was projected to be a third-round draftee. Draft gurus like Mel Kiper project Tebow as a TE or H-back - not a QB - at the next level.

Tebow has a (perhaps long) shot at 10,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in his college career.

In his 3 seasons, Tebow has passed for 6,391 yards and 67 TDs while throwing only 11 INTs. Meanwhile, he has rushed for 2,037 yards and 43 TDs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 05:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Alabama's RB Coffee to skip senior season

Alabama Crimson Tide RB Glen Coffee will skip his senior season and enter this year's NFL draft.

"I really enjoyed my time at the University of Alabama, but I think it is the right time for me to move on to the NFL," Coffee said in a statement. "Alabama has been a tremendous place for me to develop as both a football player and a person. I couldn't have asked for a better group of coaches."

Coffee had 1383 yards rushing this season, which is tied with Shaun Alexander for the 2nd-best season in school history.

Alabama junior LT Andre Smith, who has also declared for the NFL draft and should be a Top 5 pick, said that Coffee was one of the strongest players on the team.

"He's probably the second-strongest guy on the team (behind nose tackle Josh Chapman)," Smith said of Coffee earlier this season. "He's stronger than me in some cases. He's a freakish athlete. He set a couple of records in high school weightlifting down in Florida in competition. He's a real outstanding guy, both on and off the field."

The NFL draft advisory council rates Coffee as a "mid-round pick."

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

BYU's Austin Collie to enter NFL draft

BYU WR Austin Collie will skip his senior season and enter the 2009 NFL draft.

"It is a choice I feel comfortable making," said Collie, the all-time leading receiver in BYU history. "I am ready for the next challenge."

Collie, 6'2" and 206 pounds, is the all-time leader at BYU in receptions (215), receiving yards (3255) and receiving TDs (30).

This season, he led college football in receiving yards (1538) and finished his career tying an NCAA record with 11 straight 100-yard receiving games.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree to go pro

Texas Tech sophomore WR Michael Crabtree is expected to announce on Tuesday, when he has a press conference scheduled, that he will leave Tech and declare for the NFL draft.

Crabtree, 6'3" and 214 pounds, was redshirted his freshman season and therefore satisfies the requirement of being out of high school for 3 years to be eligible to declare for the draft.

"I think he's going [to the NFL] and I think it's the best decision for him," [Texas Tech coach Mike] Leach said late Friday night. "We wish him the best, and I'm sure he'll do well."

Crabtree has won the Fred Biletnikoff award, given to the nation's top collegiate WR, in both of his seasons. (See past winners.)

In his two seasons, Crabtree had a combined 231 receptions for 3127 yards and 41 TDs.

Michael Crabtree Sr. is quoted as saying in the Star-Telegram report that "no decision has been made yet." But according to a quote in the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, it seems as though a decision has been made.

“We thought about (him returning to Tech),” the elder Crabtree said. “Probably be better to go now. He had small injuries this year. We didn’t want there to be any major injuries or anything (in the future) to keep him from going pro.”

Crabtree Sr. says one of the "main factors" was that his son should be selected within the "top 10" picks. Too bad Matt Millen wasn't in Detroit any more...he would have had a shot at #1 overall.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Missouri's Jeremy Maclin to enter NFL draft

Mizzou Sophomore WR Jeremy Maclin will leave Missouri and enter the NFL draft.

In 2008, Maclin had 102 catches for 1260 yards and 13 TDs. He also carried the ball 40 times for 293 yards and 2 TDs. He returned kicks and punts and had averages of 24.0 and 11.7, respectively, with 2 return TDs. His 2833 all-purpose yards this season rank 5th all-time in NCAA football history.

In 2007, Maclin had 80 catches for 1055 yards and 9 TDs. He also carried the ball 51 times for 375 yards an 4 TDs. His return averages were 24.2 and 12.3 for kickoff and punt returns, respectively, and had 3 return TDs.

In 2006, Maclin injured his knee in July and missed the entire football season.

"This decision hasn't been easy," Maclin said, adding that he didn't completely make up his mind until 10 minutes before the news conference. "As much as I love you guys ... I feel like I'm ready for the next level."

Last year, no WRs were taken in the first round of the NFL draft. This year, both Maclin and Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree, who hasn't yet declared but is expected to do so, will be (likely high) first-round picks.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 08:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ohio State's "Beanie" Wells to enter NFL draft

Ohio State RB Chris "Beanie" Wells will skip his senior season and leave Columbus for the NFL.

"I want to thank my teammates, my coaches, my teachers and the academic advisors for all they have done, and I definitely want to thank the Buckeye fans for all their support," Wells said in a statement. "Ohio State has become like a family to me, and it will always be that way. But in the best interest of my family, it's time to move on and take a chance at fulfilling my lifetime dream of playing in the NFL."

As ESPN's Todd McShay mentions, Wells is the "most talented RB" in this year's draft, but question marks are his durability and toughness.

McShay argues that he would take Georgia's Knowshon Moreno, who declared earlier this week, over Wells since Moreno is more NFL-ready and has less question marks.

In either case, Wells and Moreno should be the first 2 RBs selected in this year's draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Wisconsin's P.J. Hill to enter NFL draft

Wisconsin RB P.J. Hill has announced that he will turn pro and enter the NFL draft.

The Badger RB has amassed 3942 yards and scored 42 TDs in 3 seasons. He ranks 3rd all-time in rushing at Wisconsin behind Anthony Thompson and Ron Dayne.

In his 3 seasons with the Badgers, Hill rushed for 1569 yards as a freshman, 1212 as a sophomore (missed 2 games) and 1161 as a junior.

"I would like to thank my teammates, coaches and the Badger fans for the great experience I had during my time at UW," [Hill] said.

With Hill turning pro, the Badgers will rely on John Clay, who had 884 yards on 155 carries. Clay scored 9 rushing TDs.

Out of high school, Clay ranked 36th in 2007 in the Rivals100 and was ranked 4th at the RB position in the 2007 recruiting class.

It makes sense that Hill leaves now for the NFL. After his heavy workload (770 carries in 3 seasons) and with the further development of phenom John Clay, I wouldn't be surprised if Hill's production declined much further in 2009 had he stayed.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 01:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Georgia loses Stafford, Moreno to NFL

The Georgia Bulldogs have just lost their starting QB and their starting RB. Both Matthew Stafford and Knowshown Moreno will leave the school and enter the NFL draft.

Both have the chance to be the first player selected at their respective positions in this year's draft. The two players that would challenge Stafford and Moreno for that honor are two other juniors who haven't yet declared for the draft.

The deadline for underclassmen to declare is January 15th.

Sam Bradford of Oklahoma would compete with Stafford to be the top QB selected if he declares himself eligible. Chris "Beanie" Wells would challenge Moreno to be the top RB taken.

"I think whichever NFL teams get them will be very excited and very blessed by it," [Georgia head coach Mark] Richt said. "They'll not only be good players but they'll be good in their locker rooms and good in their communities. They're gonna do well."

Stafford has all the tools to be a big-time QB and played in a pro-type system whereas Todd McShay calls Moreno the most "NFL-ready RB" in the draft even if Wells comes out, which is expected.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 07:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bay to enter NFL draft

Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bay will enter the 2009 NFL draft. Heyward-Bay, 6'2" and 206 lbs, runs a sub-4.4 40-yard dash and has a vertical jump of 40"+.

"After the bowl game I sat down with my mom, my aunt and coach [Ralph] Friedgen to explore my options and felt like the time is right to take my game to the next level," Heyward-Bey said Wednesday. "It was a very difficult decision. I love the University of Maryland and everything people have done for me the last four years. Not only the coaches, but also the players and support staff."

For his career, Heyward-Bay has 138 receptions, 2089 yards and 13 TDs.

Early mock drafts project Heyward-Bay as a first-round pick or a second-round pick.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 04:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

UNC's Hakeem Nicks NFL-bound

UNC's Hakeem Nicks is leaving UNC and heading to the NFL. Nicks is likley to be selected in the 2nd round.

"I clearly think that most everybody feels pretty confident he's probably going to have a great chance to be a first-day draft selection," said Davis, who spent 10 years in the NFL with Dallas and Cleveland, and reached out to GMs and assistants on Nicks' behalf.

Nicks, who had 68 receptions, set UNC single-season records with 1,222 receiving yards and 12 TDs this season.

In the Meineke Car Care Bowl, Hicks had a career best 217 yards receiving and 3 TDs.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

UConn's Donald Brown declares for NFL Draft

UConn junior RB Donald Brown had a career game and has decided to call it a (college) career. Brown had 261 yards rushing and a TD in UConn's win over Buffalo in the International Bowl yesterday.

"It's just a shame that the people in Connecticut won't get one more year to see him play, and the people around the nation who missed out on honoring this kid for what he did this year," [UConn coach Randy] Edsall said, his voice beginning to tremble with emotion. "I told him I'll be his biggest fan as he moves forward. I love the kid to death and I know he's going to be very successful."

Brown led the nation in rushing with 2083 yards.

Brown, who is projected by some to be a second-round pick in the NFL, should become the highest ever UConn draftee. That distinction currently belongs to Alfred Fincher, who was drafted by New Orleans in the 3rd round (pick 82) in 2005.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bama's Andre Smith declares for NFL Draft

Skipping his senior season, Alabama's LT Andre Smith has declared for the NFL Draft.

Smith was suspended for the Sugar Bowl for "violating team rules," but it was reported that his suspension involved "improper dealings" with an agent.

Smith's declaration was more of a formality as he was widely expected to leave early. He is projected to be taken within the first few picks.

The Detroit Lions, who fired Rod Marinelli after finishing 0-16, hold the first pick. The Lions took OT Gosder Cherilus with the 17th overall pick last year.

The St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns round out the teams with top 5 selections.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

WR Kenny Britt declares for NFL Draft

Rutgers WR Kenny Britt has decided to forego his senior season and enter the NFL Draft.

Britt, 6'4" and 215 pounds, has had 8 100-yard games this season. The 14 100-yard games he has recorded in his 3 seasons ties the Big East record with Pittsburgh's Larry Fitzgerald.

"To tell you the truth, I was sitting on the fence," said Britt, who said he made the decision Friday following a two-hour meeting with family members and Rutgers coach Greg Schiano. "It's always been a dream to go to the NFL and the gateway is open, so I feel I want to take my chances and leave early."

Britt had 1371 receiving yards this season and 3043 yards for his career, which is also a Big East record.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 06:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Shonn Greene to enter NFL Draft

Iowa Hawkeye RB Shonn Greene announced in an on-field interview after the Outback Bowl that he will forego his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft.

Greene, winner of the Doak Walker award for the nation's top RB, finished with 100+ rushing yards in all 13 games (including today's). He is the only player in the country to rush for 100+ in every game this year.

Greene is 5'11 and weighs 235 pounds and often is compared to Jamal Lewis. He will be one of the top 3-5 RBs taken in the draft.

Posted by Kevin Hanson at 09:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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