tfydraft:NFL Draft Insider News & Notes for the Week of 11-08

[cowboyjoe]

http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=3592



We start off tonight with a list Senior Bowl invitations, including a few surprises. TFYDraftInsider.net has learned that offensive linemen Steve Schilling of Michigan and Nate Solder of Colorado have received invitations for the January event. So to has Hawaii receiver Greg Salas. The surprises come in a pair of Wildcats from Villanova, offensive lineman Ben Ijalana and all purpose player Matt Szczur. Ijalana has been playing better this season and was highly rated coming into the year, so his invitation was just a mild surprise. But Szczur has a future in baseball, has been sidelined with an ankle injury much of this season and was never fully committed to football. The all purpose player has produced at receiver, as a return specialist as well as taking hand-offs in the backfield, much like the last Villanova Wildcat to perform at the Senior Bowl, Brian Westbrook.

- We are hearing quarterback Blaine Gabbert and defensive lineman Aldon Smith of Missouri will test the draft waters once the season is complete. Were it not for the leg injury suffered early in the season Smith was a sure fire top twelve pick.

- Sources have told us Wisconsin running back John Clay, who came close to entering last April’s draft, will do so for next April’s event.

- Clay’s teammate JJ Watt has been back and forth as to his plans. Watt really wants to come out according to those with intimate knowledge about the situation, but may not do so unless he receives a first round grade from the advisory committee in December. Many of Watt’s opponents have has high praise for him. Michigan State offensive tackle DJ Young has told people Watt is the toughest defensive lineman he has faced.