cowboyjoe
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2009 DRAFT : We’re within a month of the 2009 DRAFT and based on the calendar, and some feedback from you readers it’s time for me to be running the names of some prospects past you who remind me of current or past NFL players. So here we go with another go-round...
April 9, 2009 JASPER BRINKLEY/ILB/South Carolina
BRINKLEY literally limped through half the 2008 season while recovering from major knee surgery. He gained excess weight and looked tentative until late October. Then he showed flashes of his old self . He showed up at the COMBINE looking leaner and blew Personnel people away with his numbers. He was a fit 6’2/252, and posted a 4.72/40-time. JASPER is a big hitter with more agility than you might expect. His size and style of play remind me of BRADIE JAMES/COWBOYS.
JONATHAN CASILLAS/OLB/Wisconsin
CASILLAS is another player who played much of his senior season at less than 100% health-wise. When healthy he is a very active, quick player who will excel on Special Teams and have a solid chance as a Will-LB on a chase Defense like that of the COLTS. He has SS size (6’1/228) but will have much greater value remaining at LB. His sideline to sideline style of play is similar to that of CATO JUNE, now with the TEXANS.
JOSH FREEMAN/QB/Kansas State
Amidst all the hoopla surrounding STAFFORD and SANCHEZ, FREEMAN is gaining some momentum heading into the DRAFT. FREEMAN has uncanny size (6’6/250) and a cannon of an arm. Even though he is coming out early he has serious experience with over 30 career starts. He has played with a mediocre supporting cast the past 3 years, and is accustomed to carrying the team on his back. He is fairly mobile in the pocket and reminds me in many ways of BEN ROETHLISBERGER/STEELERS.
PHIL LOADHOLT/OT/Oklahoma
A load is the only way to describe LAOADHOLT. He is physically impressive even in the large world of pro football. To succeed in the NFL he needs to play for a power running team like the RAVENS or Commanders, and be positioned on the right side. He has decent footwork and long arms, but he plays too upright, which is typical of really tall players. I do not see stardom on the horizon for him, but I think he can have an effective career ala MAX STARKS/STEELERS.
CLAY MATTHEWS/OLB/Southern Cal
MATTHEWS seems to be rocketing up DRAFT Boards after his stellar senior season and work at the COMBINE and Senior Bowl. Right now he might be the first USC LB to be taken later this month. His size and athleticism are elite. He seems to have natural pass-rush skills, and is physically suited to be a 3-down LB. He should be able to play in either a 3-4, or 4-3 scheme. His size, physical tools and versatility remind me of JULIAN PETERSON/LIONS.
ZACH POTTER/DE/Nebraska
Calling all 3-4 NFL defenses; I have a sleeper, mid-round gem for you in POTTER. His height (6’7) and length are ideal to get in the line of vision of all but the tallest of NFL QBs. He was a monster in college at batting down/tipping passes. He even tipped two of them to himself for INTs last season. He weighed 279 at the COMBINE, but looks as though he could add 10+lbs without much difficulty. He reminds of BRETT KEISEL of the STEELERS.
A. Q. SHIPLEY/OC/Penn State
SHIPLEY is far from an elite prospect, but I think he deserves to be drafted and will reward the team selecting him handsomely. He is strong, smart and tough. He is the kind of guy who gets into the starting lineup by default and then is very hard to move back to the bench. When I watch film of him anchoring the Penn State OL I couldn’t help but be reminded of current NFL scrapper HANK FRALEY/BROWNS.
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March 28, 2009 I got an email from John last week asking me to do some comparisons on players likely to be First Rounders this April. That seems like a pretty fair request, so here are six top players who remind me of past or current performers in the NFL.
MALCOLM JENKINS/CB/OHIO STATE
Enough of the S talk, already. JENKINS makes up for what he lacks in straight-line speed, with exceptional change of direction, ball skills and willingness to be physical with receivers. He has excellent size and uses it well in both press coverage and run support. He is the No.1 CB on my DRAFT Board and a Top 10 (No.6 to be exact) Prospect on my Regardless of Position list. My comparison for MR. JENKINS is to another former Buckeye, who was a top ten pick and has played a dozen years in the NFL: SHAWN SPRINGS, who just signed with the PATRIOTS.
PERCY HARVIN/WR/RS/FLORIDA
Let’s put some of my character concern issues aside for the time being and talk about a guy who will no doubt be a First Round selection in this year’s DRAFT. HARVIN has explosive game-breaking potential every time he touches the ball. We’ll label him a WR, but it is obvious based on his GATOR career that he will be a RS, and will run reverses from his WR position. It’s also likely that he will take some direct snaps in some wildcat type formations, assuming that trend continues. He is strong for his size and can bounce off some tacklers with his shake-and-bake style. He reminds me a lot of REGGIE BUSH/SAINTS, who does his best work when not running the ball between the tackles as a RB.
JEREMY MACLIN/WR/RS/MISSOURI
When I watched MACLIN perform as a redshirt freshman in 2007 I was enthralled. The explosiveness in everything he did was stunning. He is fast, but it is his explosive burst once he touches the ball that makes him special. He struggled at times in 2008 with injuries, but to me his willingness to try to play though them was a plus. For any team who feels he is free of major health issues he is a potential game breaker that the NFL never seems to have enough of. He is just a tick bigger than, but compares quite favorably to, a home run threat still plying his wares in the NFL after more than a dozen seasons: JOEY GALLOWAY/PATRIOTS.
AARON MAYBIN/DE/PENN STATE
Whether he came out a year too early or not, his time is now and it appears he is intent on making his mark as a 4-3 pass rushing E in a traditional 4-3 scheme. He shows incredible burst off the snap of the ball and has some natural pass rush moves. For the COMBINE he had his weight up to 250 lbs and still looks like a solid diet, time in the weight room and body maturity could push him up into the 260 range within a year or two. He will never anchor against the run, but with the importance of QB pressure in the NFL he has desirable attributes. I see a player who could have the same success, and problems, as JOHN ABRAHAM/FALCONS during his NFL career.
EUGENE MONROE/OT/VIRGINIA
I am sure that barring major injury MONROE has the potential to start at LT for a decade or more in the NFL, and perhaps get to a couple of Pro Bowls. He will be as ready to start from the get-go as anyone in this DRAFT. Most likely what you see now is what you get. He is highly developed from playing under AL GROH and the CAVS pro style schemes. His upside is minimal. He is also somewhat passive, and not an assertive/aggressive player. His agile feet make him a very good pass blocker, and he will get the job done in the running game. His athleticism and skills should net him a solid career similar to the start LEVI BROWN/CARDINALS has had.
KNOWSHON MORENO/RB/GEORGIA
Hang on to your hat, because my regard for Mr. MORENO grows every time I watch tape of him playing. I like everything about him on the football field, and off. He is a smart kid, and a tough kid. He lights up a locker room, but is all business once the whistle sounds to start play. He will block and is exceptional out in space as a receiver. What he lacks in blazing speed he makes up for in quickness and elusiveness with the ball in his hands. He has that explosive change of direction ability that frustrates would-be tacklers. He will play at between 215-220, which on his 5’11” frame will allow him to run over some folks in the secondary. To my eye he has a lot of the same tools, and playing style as a guy working in SAN DIEGO named LADAINIAN TOMLINSON.
I think these players fit the mold of who JOHN wanted me to profile. I have no doubt that every one of them, except MAYBIN will end up in the Top 20 selections on APRIL 25th.
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LOUIS DELMAS/S/WESTERN MICHIGAN
DELMAS had an outstanding senior season and has positioned himself well for DRAFT Day. Right now I see him as a solid, early Second Round prospect. He is a fearless player in-the-box, but also has good pass coverage skills. In fact, at just over 200 lbs one of the biggest concerns relative to his potential pro success is tied directly to his ability to stay on the field and avoid injury. He is a strong leader by example on the field. His tool kit is incredibly similar to that of former BEARS S MIKE BROWN, whose biggest issue in Chicago was staying healthy.
JARRETT DILLARD/WR/RICE
DILLARD is going against the grain when it comes to NFL Receivers these days. You might be shocked if you looked at some NFL rosters and tried to find WRs who measure under 6’ tall. They are few and far between these days. But DILLARD should have a shot as a competent slot receiver. He is quick, more than fast, with very dependable hands and good ball location ability. He can also be very elusive once he secures the ball, which produces noticeable after-the-catch yardage. He might bring some value in the return game if coached up and given the chance. He reminds me quite a bit of BOBBY ENGRAM who just signed with the CHIEFS.
LARRY ENGLISH/DE/LB/N ILLINOIS
With exceptional quickness, and pass rush skills ENGLISH is a hot commodity headed toward an NFL career. I think he will have to transition to stand-up OLB in a 3-4 scheme to have the most success. His 6’2/255 frame will be well suited for that position. He is a sideline to sideline pursuit guy, with a big time burst toward the QB. He sits right on the borderline between late-First and early-Second Round DRAFT status right now. Larry’s best pro opportunity will be if he can find his way into the hands of a creative D Coordinator who will move him around and utilize his varied skills to confuse opposing offenses. He reminds me of TERRELL SUGGS/RAVENS in his size and skill sets.
BRANDON PETTIGREW/TE/OKLAHOMA STATE
There seems to be very little debate that PETTIGREW is the best all-purpose TE in this year’s DRAFT. He is a willing, effective blocker, although NFL coaches will want more from him in that category. He displays glue-like hands and can gain some YAC if he catches the ball headed downfield. His height and long arms should make him a very valuable Red Zone target. He is not a true deep threat (yet), but he will be much more than a dink-and-dunk receiver. I think he will has the potential to develop into a JASON WITTEN (COWBOYS) weapon for some lucky NFL QB.
ALPHONSO SMITH/CB/RS/WAKE FOREST
OK, let’s get it out right away...he is only 5’9” tall. If he were 2” taller he would be a Top 10 Pick. But I have no doubt that he will be a successful CB in the NFL. He is strong at 193 lbs and has very large, strong hands. He has very god ball skills and is incredibly strong in run support. DILLARD has also demonstrated excellent return skills, especially on punts. He reminds me of ANTOINE WINFIELD/VIKINGS, who I consider to be the best all-around CB, pound for pound, in the NFL!
ERIC WOOD/OC/LOUISVILLE
WOODS is the stereotype of what most teams look for in a OC in the NFL these days. He is strong, tough and football smart. He will have no problem being a team leader and making the line calls...and probably right away. At 6-4/310 he will be able to play effectively whether facing a one or two gap D. I think he will step in and play right away if selected by a team with a strong need at the position. He can also play at OG if needed. With his combination of size and smarts I see him as a young MATT BIRK, now with the RAVENS.
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CONNOR BARWIN/TE/DE/OLB
Mr. VERSATILE, as he was dubbed by Coach MARVN LEWIS in Mobile, has continued to make his mark through the COMBINE. He has demonstrated superior athleticism, and is now being considered as a prime prospect at OLB in 3-4 scheme defenses. I can be a little slow to draw player comparisons at times, but once the latest position option was announced it seemed a no-brainer to say BARWIN could be a clone of ex-PATRIOT, now CHIEF, MIKE VRABEL. The comparisons of their size and skill sets is uncanny. In fact don’t be surprised if BARWIN ends up in a PATRIOTS uniform after DRAFT DAY.
B. J. RAJI/DT/NT
It seems indisputable at this point that RAJI is the top interior DL in the 2009 NFL DRAFT. His buoyant personality is very reminiscent of a guy named WARREN SAPP, but as a player I see him as more similar to the STEELERS current star NT CASEY HAMPTON. RAJI can play in a 4-3 set, but given his girth and propensity to gain weight the Nose may be his ideal spot. Coaxing a 10 year NFL career out of B.J. may be a challenge, but if some staff can get the job done he may go to multiple Pro Bowls.
BLAKE SCHLUETER/OC
Some of you are now scrambling to your prospect lists to find SCHLUETER’s name. Find it and mark it down, because this guy is slowly, but steadily, climbing up the ladder to draftable. The only knock on him is his weight @ 290 lbs., but everything else about him says he is a strong candidate to anchor an NFL OL for a long time. He strikes me as a younger version of a pretty solid guy, who plays with MR. PEYTON: JEFF SATURDAY. If my comparison is accurate an NFL team with a short passing game oriented O should be looking at him on Day Two.
HAKEEM NICKS/WR
NICKS is headed to a sure slot on the First Day of the April DRAFT. He is a strong handed, physically tough possession receiver who shows willingness to make downfield blocking a part of his NFL resume’. His overall play and skill set remind if another player from the Super Bowl Champion STEELERS: HINES WARD. He would make a perfect compliment for a team with a deep threat/speedster at the other WR position.
MATTHEW STAFFORD/QB
Before I make this comparison I want to remind you that my comparisons are based on what I see in a prospect in comparison to the current play of an NFL veteran. I am not comparing their skills coming out of college. I mention this because STAFFORD is the obvious top QB candidate in the ‘09 DRAFT. In projecting what he could look like in the NFL I am going to compare him with a guy who wasn’t even drafted: TONY ROMO. I see their size, arm strength and perhaps even their personalities as being very similar. STAFFORD is obviously a little more NFL ready because of his level of competition and college coaching.
ANDRE BROWN/RB
BROWN has been a steady riser up Prospect lists since his work in Mobile. And he did nothing to diminish his value at the COMBINE. He offers NFL teams a solid, steady running/receiving/blocking threat much like a big star of last year’s NFL Rookie class: MATT FORTE/BEARS. If he can stay healthy he can bring the kind of impact to a pro team that can be more valuable in the big scheme of things than some of the higher profile players who will go in Round One. BROWN is very close to cementing a spot on Day One next month.
April 9, 2009 JASPER BRINKLEY/ILB/South Carolina
BRINKLEY literally limped through half the 2008 season while recovering from major knee surgery. He gained excess weight and looked tentative until late October. Then he showed flashes of his old self . He showed up at the COMBINE looking leaner and blew Personnel people away with his numbers. He was a fit 6’2/252, and posted a 4.72/40-time. JASPER is a big hitter with more agility than you might expect. His size and style of play remind me of BRADIE JAMES/COWBOYS.
JONATHAN CASILLAS/OLB/Wisconsin
CASILLAS is another player who played much of his senior season at less than 100% health-wise. When healthy he is a very active, quick player who will excel on Special Teams and have a solid chance as a Will-LB on a chase Defense like that of the COLTS. He has SS size (6’1/228) but will have much greater value remaining at LB. His sideline to sideline style of play is similar to that of CATO JUNE, now with the TEXANS.
JOSH FREEMAN/QB/Kansas State
Amidst all the hoopla surrounding STAFFORD and SANCHEZ, FREEMAN is gaining some momentum heading into the DRAFT. FREEMAN has uncanny size (6’6/250) and a cannon of an arm. Even though he is coming out early he has serious experience with over 30 career starts. He has played with a mediocre supporting cast the past 3 years, and is accustomed to carrying the team on his back. He is fairly mobile in the pocket and reminds me in many ways of BEN ROETHLISBERGER/STEELERS.
PHIL LOADHOLT/OT/Oklahoma
A load is the only way to describe LAOADHOLT. He is physically impressive even in the large world of pro football. To succeed in the NFL he needs to play for a power running team like the RAVENS or Commanders, and be positioned on the right side. He has decent footwork and long arms, but he plays too upright, which is typical of really tall players. I do not see stardom on the horizon for him, but I think he can have an effective career ala MAX STARKS/STEELERS.
CLAY MATTHEWS/OLB/Southern Cal
MATTHEWS seems to be rocketing up DRAFT Boards after his stellar senior season and work at the COMBINE and Senior Bowl. Right now he might be the first USC LB to be taken later this month. His size and athleticism are elite. He seems to have natural pass-rush skills, and is physically suited to be a 3-down LB. He should be able to play in either a 3-4, or 4-3 scheme. His size, physical tools and versatility remind me of JULIAN PETERSON/LIONS.
ZACH POTTER/DE/Nebraska
Calling all 3-4 NFL defenses; I have a sleeper, mid-round gem for you in POTTER. His height (6’7) and length are ideal to get in the line of vision of all but the tallest of NFL QBs. He was a monster in college at batting down/tipping passes. He even tipped two of them to himself for INTs last season. He weighed 279 at the COMBINE, but looks as though he could add 10+lbs without much difficulty. He reminds of BRETT KEISEL of the STEELERS.
A. Q. SHIPLEY/OC/Penn State
SHIPLEY is far from an elite prospect, but I think he deserves to be drafted and will reward the team selecting him handsomely. He is strong, smart and tough. He is the kind of guy who gets into the starting lineup by default and then is very hard to move back to the bench. When I watch film of him anchoring the Penn State OL I couldn’t help but be reminded of current NFL scrapper HANK FRALEY/BROWNS.
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March 28, 2009 I got an email from John last week asking me to do some comparisons on players likely to be First Rounders this April. That seems like a pretty fair request, so here are six top players who remind me of past or current performers in the NFL.
MALCOLM JENKINS/CB/OHIO STATE
Enough of the S talk, already. JENKINS makes up for what he lacks in straight-line speed, with exceptional change of direction, ball skills and willingness to be physical with receivers. He has excellent size and uses it well in both press coverage and run support. He is the No.1 CB on my DRAFT Board and a Top 10 (No.6 to be exact) Prospect on my Regardless of Position list. My comparison for MR. JENKINS is to another former Buckeye, who was a top ten pick and has played a dozen years in the NFL: SHAWN SPRINGS, who just signed with the PATRIOTS.
PERCY HARVIN/WR/RS/FLORIDA
Let’s put some of my character concern issues aside for the time being and talk about a guy who will no doubt be a First Round selection in this year’s DRAFT. HARVIN has explosive game-breaking potential every time he touches the ball. We’ll label him a WR, but it is obvious based on his GATOR career that he will be a RS, and will run reverses from his WR position. It’s also likely that he will take some direct snaps in some wildcat type formations, assuming that trend continues. He is strong for his size and can bounce off some tacklers with his shake-and-bake style. He reminds me a lot of REGGIE BUSH/SAINTS, who does his best work when not running the ball between the tackles as a RB.
JEREMY MACLIN/WR/RS/MISSOURI
When I watched MACLIN perform as a redshirt freshman in 2007 I was enthralled. The explosiveness in everything he did was stunning. He is fast, but it is his explosive burst once he touches the ball that makes him special. He struggled at times in 2008 with injuries, but to me his willingness to try to play though them was a plus. For any team who feels he is free of major health issues he is a potential game breaker that the NFL never seems to have enough of. He is just a tick bigger than, but compares quite favorably to, a home run threat still plying his wares in the NFL after more than a dozen seasons: JOEY GALLOWAY/PATRIOTS.
AARON MAYBIN/DE/PENN STATE
Whether he came out a year too early or not, his time is now and it appears he is intent on making his mark as a 4-3 pass rushing E in a traditional 4-3 scheme. He shows incredible burst off the snap of the ball and has some natural pass rush moves. For the COMBINE he had his weight up to 250 lbs and still looks like a solid diet, time in the weight room and body maturity could push him up into the 260 range within a year or two. He will never anchor against the run, but with the importance of QB pressure in the NFL he has desirable attributes. I see a player who could have the same success, and problems, as JOHN ABRAHAM/FALCONS during his NFL career.
EUGENE MONROE/OT/VIRGINIA
I am sure that barring major injury MONROE has the potential to start at LT for a decade or more in the NFL, and perhaps get to a couple of Pro Bowls. He will be as ready to start from the get-go as anyone in this DRAFT. Most likely what you see now is what you get. He is highly developed from playing under AL GROH and the CAVS pro style schemes. His upside is minimal. He is also somewhat passive, and not an assertive/aggressive player. His agile feet make him a very good pass blocker, and he will get the job done in the running game. His athleticism and skills should net him a solid career similar to the start LEVI BROWN/CARDINALS has had.
KNOWSHON MORENO/RB/GEORGIA
Hang on to your hat, because my regard for Mr. MORENO grows every time I watch tape of him playing. I like everything about him on the football field, and off. He is a smart kid, and a tough kid. He lights up a locker room, but is all business once the whistle sounds to start play. He will block and is exceptional out in space as a receiver. What he lacks in blazing speed he makes up for in quickness and elusiveness with the ball in his hands. He has that explosive change of direction ability that frustrates would-be tacklers. He will play at between 215-220, which on his 5’11” frame will allow him to run over some folks in the secondary. To my eye he has a lot of the same tools, and playing style as a guy working in SAN DIEGO named LADAINIAN TOMLINSON.
I think these players fit the mold of who JOHN wanted me to profile. I have no doubt that every one of them, except MAYBIN will end up in the Top 20 selections on APRIL 25th.
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LOUIS DELMAS/S/WESTERN MICHIGAN
DELMAS had an outstanding senior season and has positioned himself well for DRAFT Day. Right now I see him as a solid, early Second Round prospect. He is a fearless player in-the-box, but also has good pass coverage skills. In fact, at just over 200 lbs one of the biggest concerns relative to his potential pro success is tied directly to his ability to stay on the field and avoid injury. He is a strong leader by example on the field. His tool kit is incredibly similar to that of former BEARS S MIKE BROWN, whose biggest issue in Chicago was staying healthy.
JARRETT DILLARD/WR/RICE
DILLARD is going against the grain when it comes to NFL Receivers these days. You might be shocked if you looked at some NFL rosters and tried to find WRs who measure under 6’ tall. They are few and far between these days. But DILLARD should have a shot as a competent slot receiver. He is quick, more than fast, with very dependable hands and good ball location ability. He can also be very elusive once he secures the ball, which produces noticeable after-the-catch yardage. He might bring some value in the return game if coached up and given the chance. He reminds me quite a bit of BOBBY ENGRAM who just signed with the CHIEFS.
LARRY ENGLISH/DE/LB/N ILLINOIS
With exceptional quickness, and pass rush skills ENGLISH is a hot commodity headed toward an NFL career. I think he will have to transition to stand-up OLB in a 3-4 scheme to have the most success. His 6’2/255 frame will be well suited for that position. He is a sideline to sideline pursuit guy, with a big time burst toward the QB. He sits right on the borderline between late-First and early-Second Round DRAFT status right now. Larry’s best pro opportunity will be if he can find his way into the hands of a creative D Coordinator who will move him around and utilize his varied skills to confuse opposing offenses. He reminds me of TERRELL SUGGS/RAVENS in his size and skill sets.
BRANDON PETTIGREW/TE/OKLAHOMA STATE
There seems to be very little debate that PETTIGREW is the best all-purpose TE in this year’s DRAFT. He is a willing, effective blocker, although NFL coaches will want more from him in that category. He displays glue-like hands and can gain some YAC if he catches the ball headed downfield. His height and long arms should make him a very valuable Red Zone target. He is not a true deep threat (yet), but he will be much more than a dink-and-dunk receiver. I think he will has the potential to develop into a JASON WITTEN (COWBOYS) weapon for some lucky NFL QB.
ALPHONSO SMITH/CB/RS/WAKE FOREST
OK, let’s get it out right away...he is only 5’9” tall. If he were 2” taller he would be a Top 10 Pick. But I have no doubt that he will be a successful CB in the NFL. He is strong at 193 lbs and has very large, strong hands. He has very god ball skills and is incredibly strong in run support. DILLARD has also demonstrated excellent return skills, especially on punts. He reminds me of ANTOINE WINFIELD/VIKINGS, who I consider to be the best all-around CB, pound for pound, in the NFL!
ERIC WOOD/OC/LOUISVILLE
WOODS is the stereotype of what most teams look for in a OC in the NFL these days. He is strong, tough and football smart. He will have no problem being a team leader and making the line calls...and probably right away. At 6-4/310 he will be able to play effectively whether facing a one or two gap D. I think he will step in and play right away if selected by a team with a strong need at the position. He can also play at OG if needed. With his combination of size and smarts I see him as a young MATT BIRK, now with the RAVENS.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONNOR BARWIN/TE/DE/OLB
Mr. VERSATILE, as he was dubbed by Coach MARVN LEWIS in Mobile, has continued to make his mark through the COMBINE. He has demonstrated superior athleticism, and is now being considered as a prime prospect at OLB in 3-4 scheme defenses. I can be a little slow to draw player comparisons at times, but once the latest position option was announced it seemed a no-brainer to say BARWIN could be a clone of ex-PATRIOT, now CHIEF, MIKE VRABEL. The comparisons of their size and skill sets is uncanny. In fact don’t be surprised if BARWIN ends up in a PATRIOTS uniform after DRAFT DAY.
B. J. RAJI/DT/NT
It seems indisputable at this point that RAJI is the top interior DL in the 2009 NFL DRAFT. His buoyant personality is very reminiscent of a guy named WARREN SAPP, but as a player I see him as more similar to the STEELERS current star NT CASEY HAMPTON. RAJI can play in a 4-3 set, but given his girth and propensity to gain weight the Nose may be his ideal spot. Coaxing a 10 year NFL career out of B.J. may be a challenge, but if some staff can get the job done he may go to multiple Pro Bowls.
BLAKE SCHLUETER/OC
Some of you are now scrambling to your prospect lists to find SCHLUETER’s name. Find it and mark it down, because this guy is slowly, but steadily, climbing up the ladder to draftable. The only knock on him is his weight @ 290 lbs., but everything else about him says he is a strong candidate to anchor an NFL OL for a long time. He strikes me as a younger version of a pretty solid guy, who plays with MR. PEYTON: JEFF SATURDAY. If my comparison is accurate an NFL team with a short passing game oriented O should be looking at him on Day Two.
HAKEEM NICKS/WR
NICKS is headed to a sure slot on the First Day of the April DRAFT. He is a strong handed, physically tough possession receiver who shows willingness to make downfield blocking a part of his NFL resume’. His overall play and skill set remind if another player from the Super Bowl Champion STEELERS: HINES WARD. He would make a perfect compliment for a team with a deep threat/speedster at the other WR position.
MATTHEW STAFFORD/QB
Before I make this comparison I want to remind you that my comparisons are based on what I see in a prospect in comparison to the current play of an NFL veteran. I am not comparing their skills coming out of college. I mention this because STAFFORD is the obvious top QB candidate in the ‘09 DRAFT. In projecting what he could look like in the NFL I am going to compare him with a guy who wasn’t even drafted: TONY ROMO. I see their size, arm strength and perhaps even their personalities as being very similar. STAFFORD is obviously a little more NFL ready because of his level of competition and college coaching.
ANDRE BROWN/RB
BROWN has been a steady riser up Prospect lists since his work in Mobile. And he did nothing to diminish his value at the COMBINE. He offers NFL teams a solid, steady running/receiving/blocking threat much like a big star of last year’s NFL Rookie class: MATT FORTE/BEARS. If he can stay healthy he can bring the kind of impact to a pro team that can be more valuable in the big scheme of things than some of the higher profile players who will go in Round One. BROWN is very close to cementing a spot on Day One next month.
