SALADIN
07-09-2004, 12:43 AM
http://www.gbnreport.com/2005playerstowatch.htm
Players to watch:
15. Karl Paymah, CB, 6-0, 198, Washington State, Senior... What's the old saying in the NFL: 'you can never have enough good cover corners!' Indeed, there are very few teams around the league willing to pass on a quality CB on draft day, particularly a corner with size who can matchup physically with new breed of rangy WRs dominating the pro pasing game these days. One player along those lines who is emerging as something of a sleeper at the position is Karl Paymah of Washington State, a program which seems to have been sending quality CBs to the pros for years. At 6-0 and almost 200 pounds, Paymah has the size NFL clubs are always looking for; Paymah also has a reputation as being very physical, both when working in one-on-one coverage, as well as forcing the run. And while no pure burner, Paymah has decent speed, along with good agility and instincts. Paymah, though, needs a little work on his hands. For the record, last fall, Paymah had 55 tackles for the Cougars, broke up 10 passes and had one pick.
14. Vincent Jackson, WR, 6-6, 235, Northern Colorado, Senior... It goes without saying that just about every offensive co-ordinator in the NFL would love to add 6-5, 230-pound junior USC WR Mike Williams to his arsenal; Williams is a potential mismatch waiting to happen and a defensive co-ordinators worst nightmare. For the 31 teams that ultimately don't get Williams services - he'll either be in a supplemmental draft later this summer or the full 2005 draft next April - there might be something of a consolation option in Northern Colorado WR Vincent Jackson. Like Williams, the 6-6, 235-pound Jackson looks more like a TE, but has been a dominating presence as a Division I-AA WR. Last fall, for example, Jackson averaged over 22 yards per catch on 66 total receptions and scored 21 TDs. The real test for Jackson, of course, will come next April when he'll have to prove he has the pure foot speed to compete at the next level, particularly at that size, but the early evidence is that he's no slowpoke. In fact, in addition to being a quality receiver, Jackson is also a very good return man with career averages of 13 yards per punt return and 25 yards on kick returns in his UNC tenure.
13. Zach Strief, OT, 6-7, 335, Northwestern, Junior... Despite a plethora of outstanding offensive senior line prospects for the 2005 draft including Michael Munoz of Tennessee, Jammal Brown of Oklahoma, Wesley Britt of Alabama, Alex Barron of Florida State, Anthony Alabi of TCU, Toledo's Nick Kaczur, Adam Snyder of Oregon, Calvin Armstrong of Washington State, and Rob Petitti of Pittsburgh among others, none of these players has yet to approach the elite status. Indeed, if an OT is to crack the top 5 in 2005, it may come from a potentially even more talented junior OT class which includes players like Eric Winston of Miami, Andrew Whitworth of LSU, Jonathan Scott of Texas, 340-pound Max Jean-Gilles of Georgia, Adam Stenavich of Michigan, and 6-9 Marcus McNeill of Auburn. Another name to add to the list of potentially dominating junior offensive linemen who could really impact this year's draft is 6-7, 335-pound Zach Strief of Northwestern, a monster drive blocker, who was instrumental in the usually pass-happy Wildcats to finish second in rushing in the Big 10 last fall. Strief still needs to improve his pass-blocking a little to really elevate his grade, but he does have decent athleticism, is a solid technician and works very hard; and with a huge wingspan, Strief is one of those proverbial $10 cab fares to get around. Not surprisingly, too, as a Northwestern student Strief is a bright prospect who shouldn't take long to absorb the intricacies of a pro offense.
12. Boomer Grigsby, LB, 6-1, 241, Illinois State, Senior... The first round of the NFL has become pretty much the preserve of Division 1-A schools; indeed, a player from a lower level hasn't been selected in the opening round since 2000 when former Jackson State stars WR Sylvester Morris and FS Rashard Anderson were selected 21st and 23rd overall, respectively by Kansas City and Carolina. The trend away from smaller school athletes, at least in the draft's opening rounds, likely won't change this coming April. Illinois State MLB Boomer Grigsby, the top prospect for the 2005 draft outside the ranks of D1A schools, however, should get a first-day call this year. Grigsby is the prototype for the human tackling machine; he has posted 179 tackles - that's not a misprint - in each of the past two seasons as he won back-to-back Gateway Conference defensive player of the year honors. Grigsby has decent size at around 240 pounds; plus he's a weight room warrior who has posted some very impressive lifting marks. Grigsby has also been working on his speed the past couple of off-seasons. He's also a good athlete; indeed, in addition to the weightlifting obsession he was also once a ranked trampolinist. The knock on Grigsby's game as this point, though, is that he has not really been much of a factor to date in coverage.
11. Bill Swancutt, DE, 6-4, 260, Oregon State, Senior... The Pac-10 has sent a top pass rushing DE to the NFL in each of the past two years - former Arizone State DE Terrrell Suggs, who was selected 10th overall in 2003 and went to become the league's defensive rookie of the year last fall, and USC's Kenechi Udeze who was the 20th player taken this past April by Minnesota. And the conference could make it three in a row this coming April if Oregon State's Bill Swancutt continues to terrorize QBs on the west coast. Swancutt is a cat-quick, 260-pound edge rusher with a high energy motor and a bit of a mean streak who posted 11 sacks in both 2002 and 2003; he also had a and 38 total tackles for loss in that 2-year period. And while he specializes in rushing the passer, Swnacutt is solid enough defending the run.
10. Dan Orlovsky, QB, 6-5, 235, UConn, Senior... In a draft year with a number of good QB prospects, but so far none that rates as a sure-fire elite level candidate, pro scouts are looking for someone to step this fall as former USC QB Carson Palmer, the #1 pick at the 2002 draft, did three seasons ago. One such player who'll be very much under the NFL's microscope is UConn's Dan Orlovsky who leads his Huskies into the Big East this fall. Orlovsky, at 6-5, 235 has prototype size for an NFL pocket passer; he's also got a strong arm with the ability to make all the throws. Last fall, for example, Orlovsky threw for almost 3,500 yards and 33 TDs, although pro scouts would like to see him improve his accuracy after he completed only 58% of his pass attempts. Orlovsky has also more inopportune picks than one would like to see in a top prospect; overall, Orlovsky has thrown 34 picks in his career including 14 last fall. And while he isn't the fleetest afoot, Orlovsky does move around the pocket reasonably well. On balance, though, Orlovsky has all the tools to an elite QB prospect if he can raise his productivity to the next level this season.
9. Oshiomogho Atogwe, FS, 6-0, 205, Stanford, Senior... Given its Canada Day north of the border it is worth noting that there are a couple of top Canadian prospects for the 2005 draft. One is Toledo OT Nick Kaczur, listed at #1 below. The other is Stanford FS Oshiomogho Atogwe, a fine all-around safety who is both strong against the run and solid in coverage. Indeed, pro scouts figure Atogwe can play either free or strong safety at the next level which should increase his value come draft day. At 6-0, 205, Atogwe isn't the biggest safety around, but he's smart, aggressive and very athletic. Indeed, Atogwe has competed at the collegiate level in track as both a sprinter in sprints and and long and triple jumper. For the record, Atogwe - who's name is pronounced as it is spelled - led the Cardinal in tackles in each of the past two years, racking up 166 in that period as he gained a reputation as a big hitter, while he also picked off 5 passes.
8. Jamaal Brimmer, SS, 6-1, 215, UNLV, Senior...The Mountain West Conference is generally known mostly for its high powered offenses, but don't tell UNLV SS Jamaal Brimmer, arguably the top safety in the country, if not the best defensive player period. The 215-pound Brimmer is a big hitter who attacks the line of scrimmage like an extra LB. Over the past two years, for example, the disruptive Brimmer had 177 tackles, including 27.5 for loss and 8.5 sacks; he also forced 4 fumbles just last season. And while forcing the run is Brimmer's speciality, he has also been known to lay into potential receivers coming across the middle, although he still needs work on his straight man coverage skills. Brimmer also wasn't known as a particularly 'good hands' guy early in his career, but put that one to bed last fall when he picked off 6 passes. What has also impressed pro scouts is that Brimmer has often been at his best when UNLV played big-time opponents as part ot its non-conference schedule.
7. Claude Terrell, OG, 6-3, 330, New Mexico, Senior... Like several other positions, OG has been something of an afterthought in the early rounds of recent drafts. This year could very well be an exception, however, with a relatively large number of OGs who, if they don't grade out at least as late opening-round prospects, should get strong first-day consideration. Among that group is 330-pound New Mexico OG Claude Terrell who leads the way for the Lobos' star junior RB DonTrell Moore. Terrell is a big, physical drive blocker who has started 37 straight games for the Lobos. Terrell, though, is more than just a prototype roadgrader; he also has surprising quickness, particularly off the snap for a big man. Indeed, while he projects to OG at the pro level, Terrell will actually play OT this fall where he'll get some extra practice in pass protection.
6a. Charlie Frye, QB, 6-4, 225, Akron, Senior; and 6b. Bruce Gradkowski, QB, 6-2, 210, Toledo... With 3 former MAC QBs - Chad Pennington, Byron Leftwich and Ben Roethlisberger - having been selected in the opening round of the NFL draft in the past five years, the conference has emerged as something of a 'cradle' of pro quarterbacks. And that trend is likely to continue in the next couple of years as the MAC features two more of the best QBs in the country, although neither has gotten much national attention to date. Akron's Frye, for example, enters the season as a long-shot Heisman Trophy candidate who would like to make it three years in a row for a MAC QB to be a 1st round selection after former conference stars Leftwich and Roethlisberger were opening round picks the past two years. Frye is a Steve McNair type with a terrific combination of size and athleticism. He's also a strong-armed passer with excellent touch who completed 65% of his pass attempts last fall for almost 3,500 yards and 22 TDs against 9 interceptions. Meanwhile, Toledo's Gradkowski exploded on the scene last fall, throwing for 3,200 yards and 29 TDs against just 7 picks. In the process, Gradkowski completed over 70% of his pass attempts as he demonstrated a very accurate arm along the lines of former Marshall QB Pennington who is now starring with the Jets in the NFL. As well, like Akron's Frye, Gradkowski is very athletic as he ran for over another 500 yards last fall; Gradkowski is also very mobile in the pocket and throws well on the run. In fact, the only knock on Gradkowski, at least as a future pro prospect, is that he isn't overly tall - he's listed at 6-2 - but is probably closer to 6-1.
5. Martin Nance, WR, 6-5, 210, Miami (Ohio), Junior... When Pittsburgh selected Miami QB Ben Roethlisberger with the 11th pick overall at the 2004 draft, he became the 1st former REdhawk taken in the opening round in 35 yards. Miami likely won't have to wait quite that long to have their next #1 pick. Indeed, the Redhawks could actually make it two years in a row with a first-round pick if junior WR Martin Nance opts to enter the 2005 draft. Nance, a Randy Moss clone of sorts - he's 6-5, 210 with speed, but without the attitude - in fact, could ultimately be the first receiver selected next April, particularly if USC junior Mike Williams fails to regain his eligibility and somehow ends up in a supplemental draft later this summer. Nance, who was Roethlisberger's go-to receiver last fall, was virtually uncoverable in the Mid-American Conference, hauling in 90 passes for 1,500 yards an 11 scores. At 6-5, 210 Nance is a match-up nightmare for opposing defensive co-ordinators; he's also got good speed and features those extra gears when he goes deep.
4. Andre Maddox, SS, 6-0, 200, North Carolina State, Senior... Strong safety has almsot never been a priority position, at least in the early rounds, at the NFL, however, this year could be an exception with several stars at the position looking toward 2005 including Donte Nicholson of Oklahoma and UNLV's Jammal Brimmer. Sneaking up behind those two, though, is NC State's Andre Maddox, a John Lynch type who really attacks the line of scrimmage. Maddox tended to get overshadowed the past couple of years by former Wolpack QB Phillip Rivers, the most prolific passer in NCAA history who's now plying his trade in San Diego. Maddox isn't overly big for a SS at just 6-0, 200, but he's a tackling machine nonetheless having recorded over 270 tackles the past couple of years, including 145 last fall. And while stuffing the run at the line of scrimmage is Maddox' forte - he had 9.5 tackles and a couple of sacks last season - he is also solid in coverage. Maddox is particularly physical when the ball is in the air, although don't expect a lot of interceptions.
3. Ardell Duckett, DE, 6-4, 265, Texas Tech, Senior... The past several years the DEs have played second fiddle to their DT counterparts at the NFL draft. The DEs should get their revenge this year, in part, because the 2005 DT class really isn't that strong. At the same time, there is some special talent at the DE this year including Texas Tech's Ardell Duckett, arguably the most overlooked pure pass rusher in the country. Duckett, who has an explosive first step off the snap, spent most of the past two seasons camped out in opponents' backfields as he registered 24 sacks - including 14.5 last fall - and 40 total tackles for loss in that period. And while he'll make his living in the NFL chasing down QBs, Duckett, at a solid 6-4, 265, is also no slouch defending the run.
2. Kerry Wright, WR, 5-9, 175, Middle Tennessee State, Senior... Middle Tennessee State made a bit of a splash at the 2003 draft when Tennessee selected athletic former Blue Raider WR Tyrone Calico with its second round pick. NFL scouts will be back checking out the Middle Tennessee receiver corps this fall with an eye on WR Kerry Wright, who quietly emerged as one of the top receivers in the country last fall. Overall, Wright ranked 5th nationally in receiving yards last season as he piled up almost 1,300 yards through the air last season on 73 total receptions. Unlike Calico, though, whose draft status was predicated largely on his size and speed, Wright, is more of a smurf-type at just 5-9, 175. While smallish, though, Wright is a much more polished receiver than Calico; he runs great routes and has outstanding hands; he also has that innate sense to be able to find the soft spot in a defense. And while he probably doesn't have Calico's pure speed, Wright is plenty fast; he's also a dangerous runner with the ball after making the catch. Meanwhile, pro scouts will also look at MTSU WR Pedro Holiday, who only caught 12 passes last fall, however, as an All-American sprinter, he has speed to burn.
1. Nick Kaczur, OT, 6-5, 305, Toledo, Senior...No one will be asking 'where's the beef?' when checking out the prospective offensive line class for the 2005 draft which feature one of the strongest contingents at the position in years. And one of the best OTs in this year's draft class is Nick Kaczur of Toledo, perhaps the best Canadian draft prospect since former Michigan State OT Tony Mandarich was chosen 2nd overall by Green Bay at the 1989 draft. Kaczur, who should become the MAC's first ever 4-time all-conference player, is a dominating drive blocker with with long arms and athletic feet who has the physical potential to play the demanding LT spot on Sundays. Interestingly, Kaczur, who played at close to 330-pounds last fall, has dropped 20-25 pounds with the intention of being that much quicker this fall. Of course, Kaczur hopes that once he does enter the NFL he fares better than the aforementioned Mandarich, one of the great draft busts of all-time - for the record, the Packers passed on both Deion and Barry Sanders in order to select him - although the former Michigan State Spartan did actually have a lengthy, albeit uninspired, NFL career, mostly as an OG with the Colts.
Players to watch:
15. Karl Paymah, CB, 6-0, 198, Washington State, Senior... What's the old saying in the NFL: 'you can never have enough good cover corners!' Indeed, there are very few teams around the league willing to pass on a quality CB on draft day, particularly a corner with size who can matchup physically with new breed of rangy WRs dominating the pro pasing game these days. One player along those lines who is emerging as something of a sleeper at the position is Karl Paymah of Washington State, a program which seems to have been sending quality CBs to the pros for years. At 6-0 and almost 200 pounds, Paymah has the size NFL clubs are always looking for; Paymah also has a reputation as being very physical, both when working in one-on-one coverage, as well as forcing the run. And while no pure burner, Paymah has decent speed, along with good agility and instincts. Paymah, though, needs a little work on his hands. For the record, last fall, Paymah had 55 tackles for the Cougars, broke up 10 passes and had one pick.
14. Vincent Jackson, WR, 6-6, 235, Northern Colorado, Senior... It goes without saying that just about every offensive co-ordinator in the NFL would love to add 6-5, 230-pound junior USC WR Mike Williams to his arsenal; Williams is a potential mismatch waiting to happen and a defensive co-ordinators worst nightmare. For the 31 teams that ultimately don't get Williams services - he'll either be in a supplemmental draft later this summer or the full 2005 draft next April - there might be something of a consolation option in Northern Colorado WR Vincent Jackson. Like Williams, the 6-6, 235-pound Jackson looks more like a TE, but has been a dominating presence as a Division I-AA WR. Last fall, for example, Jackson averaged over 22 yards per catch on 66 total receptions and scored 21 TDs. The real test for Jackson, of course, will come next April when he'll have to prove he has the pure foot speed to compete at the next level, particularly at that size, but the early evidence is that he's no slowpoke. In fact, in addition to being a quality receiver, Jackson is also a very good return man with career averages of 13 yards per punt return and 25 yards on kick returns in his UNC tenure.
13. Zach Strief, OT, 6-7, 335, Northwestern, Junior... Despite a plethora of outstanding offensive senior line prospects for the 2005 draft including Michael Munoz of Tennessee, Jammal Brown of Oklahoma, Wesley Britt of Alabama, Alex Barron of Florida State, Anthony Alabi of TCU, Toledo's Nick Kaczur, Adam Snyder of Oregon, Calvin Armstrong of Washington State, and Rob Petitti of Pittsburgh among others, none of these players has yet to approach the elite status. Indeed, if an OT is to crack the top 5 in 2005, it may come from a potentially even more talented junior OT class which includes players like Eric Winston of Miami, Andrew Whitworth of LSU, Jonathan Scott of Texas, 340-pound Max Jean-Gilles of Georgia, Adam Stenavich of Michigan, and 6-9 Marcus McNeill of Auburn. Another name to add to the list of potentially dominating junior offensive linemen who could really impact this year's draft is 6-7, 335-pound Zach Strief of Northwestern, a monster drive blocker, who was instrumental in the usually pass-happy Wildcats to finish second in rushing in the Big 10 last fall. Strief still needs to improve his pass-blocking a little to really elevate his grade, but he does have decent athleticism, is a solid technician and works very hard; and with a huge wingspan, Strief is one of those proverbial $10 cab fares to get around. Not surprisingly, too, as a Northwestern student Strief is a bright prospect who shouldn't take long to absorb the intricacies of a pro offense.
12. Boomer Grigsby, LB, 6-1, 241, Illinois State, Senior... The first round of the NFL has become pretty much the preserve of Division 1-A schools; indeed, a player from a lower level hasn't been selected in the opening round since 2000 when former Jackson State stars WR Sylvester Morris and FS Rashard Anderson were selected 21st and 23rd overall, respectively by Kansas City and Carolina. The trend away from smaller school athletes, at least in the draft's opening rounds, likely won't change this coming April. Illinois State MLB Boomer Grigsby, the top prospect for the 2005 draft outside the ranks of D1A schools, however, should get a first-day call this year. Grigsby is the prototype for the human tackling machine; he has posted 179 tackles - that's not a misprint - in each of the past two seasons as he won back-to-back Gateway Conference defensive player of the year honors. Grigsby has decent size at around 240 pounds; plus he's a weight room warrior who has posted some very impressive lifting marks. Grigsby has also been working on his speed the past couple of off-seasons. He's also a good athlete; indeed, in addition to the weightlifting obsession he was also once a ranked trampolinist. The knock on Grigsby's game as this point, though, is that he has not really been much of a factor to date in coverage.
11. Bill Swancutt, DE, 6-4, 260, Oregon State, Senior... The Pac-10 has sent a top pass rushing DE to the NFL in each of the past two years - former Arizone State DE Terrrell Suggs, who was selected 10th overall in 2003 and went to become the league's defensive rookie of the year last fall, and USC's Kenechi Udeze who was the 20th player taken this past April by Minnesota. And the conference could make it three in a row this coming April if Oregon State's Bill Swancutt continues to terrorize QBs on the west coast. Swancutt is a cat-quick, 260-pound edge rusher with a high energy motor and a bit of a mean streak who posted 11 sacks in both 2002 and 2003; he also had a and 38 total tackles for loss in that 2-year period. And while he specializes in rushing the passer, Swnacutt is solid enough defending the run.
10. Dan Orlovsky, QB, 6-5, 235, UConn, Senior... In a draft year with a number of good QB prospects, but so far none that rates as a sure-fire elite level candidate, pro scouts are looking for someone to step this fall as former USC QB Carson Palmer, the #1 pick at the 2002 draft, did three seasons ago. One such player who'll be very much under the NFL's microscope is UConn's Dan Orlovsky who leads his Huskies into the Big East this fall. Orlovsky, at 6-5, 235 has prototype size for an NFL pocket passer; he's also got a strong arm with the ability to make all the throws. Last fall, for example, Orlovsky threw for almost 3,500 yards and 33 TDs, although pro scouts would like to see him improve his accuracy after he completed only 58% of his pass attempts. Orlovsky has also more inopportune picks than one would like to see in a top prospect; overall, Orlovsky has thrown 34 picks in his career including 14 last fall. And while he isn't the fleetest afoot, Orlovsky does move around the pocket reasonably well. On balance, though, Orlovsky has all the tools to an elite QB prospect if he can raise his productivity to the next level this season.
9. Oshiomogho Atogwe, FS, 6-0, 205, Stanford, Senior... Given its Canada Day north of the border it is worth noting that there are a couple of top Canadian prospects for the 2005 draft. One is Toledo OT Nick Kaczur, listed at #1 below. The other is Stanford FS Oshiomogho Atogwe, a fine all-around safety who is both strong against the run and solid in coverage. Indeed, pro scouts figure Atogwe can play either free or strong safety at the next level which should increase his value come draft day. At 6-0, 205, Atogwe isn't the biggest safety around, but he's smart, aggressive and very athletic. Indeed, Atogwe has competed at the collegiate level in track as both a sprinter in sprints and and long and triple jumper. For the record, Atogwe - who's name is pronounced as it is spelled - led the Cardinal in tackles in each of the past two years, racking up 166 in that period as he gained a reputation as a big hitter, while he also picked off 5 passes.
8. Jamaal Brimmer, SS, 6-1, 215, UNLV, Senior...The Mountain West Conference is generally known mostly for its high powered offenses, but don't tell UNLV SS Jamaal Brimmer, arguably the top safety in the country, if not the best defensive player period. The 215-pound Brimmer is a big hitter who attacks the line of scrimmage like an extra LB. Over the past two years, for example, the disruptive Brimmer had 177 tackles, including 27.5 for loss and 8.5 sacks; he also forced 4 fumbles just last season. And while forcing the run is Brimmer's speciality, he has also been known to lay into potential receivers coming across the middle, although he still needs work on his straight man coverage skills. Brimmer also wasn't known as a particularly 'good hands' guy early in his career, but put that one to bed last fall when he picked off 6 passes. What has also impressed pro scouts is that Brimmer has often been at his best when UNLV played big-time opponents as part ot its non-conference schedule.
7. Claude Terrell, OG, 6-3, 330, New Mexico, Senior... Like several other positions, OG has been something of an afterthought in the early rounds of recent drafts. This year could very well be an exception, however, with a relatively large number of OGs who, if they don't grade out at least as late opening-round prospects, should get strong first-day consideration. Among that group is 330-pound New Mexico OG Claude Terrell who leads the way for the Lobos' star junior RB DonTrell Moore. Terrell is a big, physical drive blocker who has started 37 straight games for the Lobos. Terrell, though, is more than just a prototype roadgrader; he also has surprising quickness, particularly off the snap for a big man. Indeed, while he projects to OG at the pro level, Terrell will actually play OT this fall where he'll get some extra practice in pass protection.
6a. Charlie Frye, QB, 6-4, 225, Akron, Senior; and 6b. Bruce Gradkowski, QB, 6-2, 210, Toledo... With 3 former MAC QBs - Chad Pennington, Byron Leftwich and Ben Roethlisberger - having been selected in the opening round of the NFL draft in the past five years, the conference has emerged as something of a 'cradle' of pro quarterbacks. And that trend is likely to continue in the next couple of years as the MAC features two more of the best QBs in the country, although neither has gotten much national attention to date. Akron's Frye, for example, enters the season as a long-shot Heisman Trophy candidate who would like to make it three years in a row for a MAC QB to be a 1st round selection after former conference stars Leftwich and Roethlisberger were opening round picks the past two years. Frye is a Steve McNair type with a terrific combination of size and athleticism. He's also a strong-armed passer with excellent touch who completed 65% of his pass attempts last fall for almost 3,500 yards and 22 TDs against 9 interceptions. Meanwhile, Toledo's Gradkowski exploded on the scene last fall, throwing for 3,200 yards and 29 TDs against just 7 picks. In the process, Gradkowski completed over 70% of his pass attempts as he demonstrated a very accurate arm along the lines of former Marshall QB Pennington who is now starring with the Jets in the NFL. As well, like Akron's Frye, Gradkowski is very athletic as he ran for over another 500 yards last fall; Gradkowski is also very mobile in the pocket and throws well on the run. In fact, the only knock on Gradkowski, at least as a future pro prospect, is that he isn't overly tall - he's listed at 6-2 - but is probably closer to 6-1.
5. Martin Nance, WR, 6-5, 210, Miami (Ohio), Junior... When Pittsburgh selected Miami QB Ben Roethlisberger with the 11th pick overall at the 2004 draft, he became the 1st former REdhawk taken in the opening round in 35 yards. Miami likely won't have to wait quite that long to have their next #1 pick. Indeed, the Redhawks could actually make it two years in a row with a first-round pick if junior WR Martin Nance opts to enter the 2005 draft. Nance, a Randy Moss clone of sorts - he's 6-5, 210 with speed, but without the attitude - in fact, could ultimately be the first receiver selected next April, particularly if USC junior Mike Williams fails to regain his eligibility and somehow ends up in a supplemental draft later this summer. Nance, who was Roethlisberger's go-to receiver last fall, was virtually uncoverable in the Mid-American Conference, hauling in 90 passes for 1,500 yards an 11 scores. At 6-5, 210 Nance is a match-up nightmare for opposing defensive co-ordinators; he's also got good speed and features those extra gears when he goes deep.
4. Andre Maddox, SS, 6-0, 200, North Carolina State, Senior... Strong safety has almsot never been a priority position, at least in the early rounds, at the NFL, however, this year could be an exception with several stars at the position looking toward 2005 including Donte Nicholson of Oklahoma and UNLV's Jammal Brimmer. Sneaking up behind those two, though, is NC State's Andre Maddox, a John Lynch type who really attacks the line of scrimmage. Maddox tended to get overshadowed the past couple of years by former Wolpack QB Phillip Rivers, the most prolific passer in NCAA history who's now plying his trade in San Diego. Maddox isn't overly big for a SS at just 6-0, 200, but he's a tackling machine nonetheless having recorded over 270 tackles the past couple of years, including 145 last fall. And while stuffing the run at the line of scrimmage is Maddox' forte - he had 9.5 tackles and a couple of sacks last season - he is also solid in coverage. Maddox is particularly physical when the ball is in the air, although don't expect a lot of interceptions.
3. Ardell Duckett, DE, 6-4, 265, Texas Tech, Senior... The past several years the DEs have played second fiddle to their DT counterparts at the NFL draft. The DEs should get their revenge this year, in part, because the 2005 DT class really isn't that strong. At the same time, there is some special talent at the DE this year including Texas Tech's Ardell Duckett, arguably the most overlooked pure pass rusher in the country. Duckett, who has an explosive first step off the snap, spent most of the past two seasons camped out in opponents' backfields as he registered 24 sacks - including 14.5 last fall - and 40 total tackles for loss in that period. And while he'll make his living in the NFL chasing down QBs, Duckett, at a solid 6-4, 265, is also no slouch defending the run.
2. Kerry Wright, WR, 5-9, 175, Middle Tennessee State, Senior... Middle Tennessee State made a bit of a splash at the 2003 draft when Tennessee selected athletic former Blue Raider WR Tyrone Calico with its second round pick. NFL scouts will be back checking out the Middle Tennessee receiver corps this fall with an eye on WR Kerry Wright, who quietly emerged as one of the top receivers in the country last fall. Overall, Wright ranked 5th nationally in receiving yards last season as he piled up almost 1,300 yards through the air last season on 73 total receptions. Unlike Calico, though, whose draft status was predicated largely on his size and speed, Wright, is more of a smurf-type at just 5-9, 175. While smallish, though, Wright is a much more polished receiver than Calico; he runs great routes and has outstanding hands; he also has that innate sense to be able to find the soft spot in a defense. And while he probably doesn't have Calico's pure speed, Wright is plenty fast; he's also a dangerous runner with the ball after making the catch. Meanwhile, pro scouts will also look at MTSU WR Pedro Holiday, who only caught 12 passes last fall, however, as an All-American sprinter, he has speed to burn.
1. Nick Kaczur, OT, 6-5, 305, Toledo, Senior...No one will be asking 'where's the beef?' when checking out the prospective offensive line class for the 2005 draft which feature one of the strongest contingents at the position in years. And one of the best OTs in this year's draft class is Nick Kaczur of Toledo, perhaps the best Canadian draft prospect since former Michigan State OT Tony Mandarich was chosen 2nd overall by Green Bay at the 1989 draft. Kaczur, who should become the MAC's first ever 4-time all-conference player, is a dominating drive blocker with with long arms and athletic feet who has the physical potential to play the demanding LT spot on Sundays. Interestingly, Kaczur, who played at close to 330-pounds last fall, has dropped 20-25 pounds with the intention of being that much quicker this fall. Of course, Kaczur hopes that once he does enter the NFL he fares better than the aforementioned Mandarich, one of the great draft busts of all-time - for the record, the Packers passed on both Deion and Barry Sanders in order to select him - although the former Michigan State Spartan did actually have a lengthy, albeit uninspired, NFL career, mostly as an OG with the Colts.