Josh Chapman played most of 2011 for Alabama on torn ACL, meniscus

[RS12]

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- Josh Chapman had his hands full with a Florida offensive linemen as he pursued John Brantley, the Gators' pocket-passing quarterback.

Alabama's rugged nose guard earned his scholarship by absorbing punishment and double teams. Sometimes it was more like wrestling Gators.

The play in the Swamp on Oct. 1 ended like many others in Chapman's Crimson Tide career with one significant difference: days later during an MRI, he learned he had torn the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee.

"Normally I can deal with pain pretty well, but after three days I needed an MRI," Chapman said. "Dr. (Lyle) Cain said he's never seen a guy that can have a torn ACL and still stay that stable."


I cant emphasize this enough, draft this guy mid rounds on, cant have enough of this type player.

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/01/josh_chapman_played_most_of_20.html

[Eskimo]

They are projecting him on NFL draft scout as a 2nd-3rd round player.

I'm worried that he probably won't contribute much next year given that he is only having surgery now.

I'd take a flyer on him in the 5th or 6th round.

He has a prototypical NT build and is apparently very strong. We are going to need someone to play NT with Brent if Rat is moving to play more at DE. We can probably get by with a rotation of Brent/Lissemore/Rat this year and hopefully it can be Chapman/Brent next year.

The only thing I'm worried about is if he injured his knee by delaying the surgery. The loss of stability could have extended the cartilage damage. It will be very important to see how the meniscus heals and to make sure his articular cartilage is in good shape before spending a draft pick on him. I'd want to see the surgeon's report and get an MRI just before the draft.

[tm1119]

Well that kinda sucks. I have us taking him in the 2nd as u can see below. That definitely puts a damper on that. Amazing that he was able to tough it out but it probably just cost him a lot of $.

[newlander]

Well that kinda sucks. I have us taking him in the 2nd as u can see below. That definitely puts a damper on that. Amazing that he was able to tough it out but it probably just cost him a lot of $.


......dude is a WARRIOR no question...but I just can NOT see drafting any more players with injuries that will prevent them from contributing the first year: we simply aren't that good guys.We need help NOW.....if we were as good and deep at that position as SF or the gspots...I'd say heck yes.

[RS12]

This is a lower risk medical issue. The guy was still a supreme run stuffer on one leg. It is not like he will play worse when it is fixed. Only question is when will he be ready to play again. All I know is he should wear the star anywhere from 3rd round on.

[TheCount]

I remember the year Matthews, Maualuga and Cushing came out of USC and I just one of their linebackers, just one.

I feel the exact same way about Alabama's front 7, I just want a piece of it.

[cbow44]

We have a history of takeing this type of player, Canty, Lee, Carter. Why not Chapman. Maybe we can get him with a 4th rounder knowing if he was healthy he would be atop 50 pick.

[Future]

I'd be all over him in the 3rd if he's available. Even if his rehab takes him through training camp, it's not like there is a whole lot that a DT needs to learn to be effective.

He's not the biggest guy in the world though, might need to bulk up some.