cowboyjoe
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As anyone who follows the NFL Draft knows positive or negative momentum can play a big role in determining where a player is ultimately chosen. The following is a look at some prospects who have that buzz at the moment as well as some who do not. Please be sure to keep in mind that this is not a replacement or an update to the positional rankings or mock draft. For example, a player could be #1 on this list but that might only mean he has gone from a 7th round pick to a 5th rounder or an undrafted free agent to a late round possibility. So without further adieu here are the Top 10 prospects with the most helium:
1. Larry English, DE-OLB, Northern Illinois
One of the country's most prolific pass rushers, Larry English amassed an amazing 56.0 tackles for a loss and 32.5 sacks during his college career with the Huskies. As a senior English totaled 15.0 TFL and 8.0 Sacks en route to being named the Mid-American Conference's Most Valuable Player and, for the second year in a row, the Defensive Player of the Year. A classic 'tweener at 6-3 and 255 pounds, English played defensive end in college but he may have to make the move to outside linebacker in the pros. Most likely in a 3-4 scheme. What position English will play might still be up in the air but at this point scouts don't seem to care because they tend to find room for guys who can rush the passer like he can. Right now English looks like a fringe Day One pick but his stock is really soaring and there are some who feel he could compete for a spot in the first round.
2. Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
Not only is Delmas the best pro prospect the Broncos have produced since Greg Jennings and Tony Scheffler back in 2006 but like them he just might find a home in the second round when all is said and done. In terms of physical tools Delmas is adequate across the board but he certainly isn't going to make anyone's jaw hit the floor in workouts. However, when it comes to intangibles and leadership ability Delmas compares favorably with anyone in the country. Delmas had a very nice college resume heading into his senior season and was considered to be a decent pro prospect but he really took his game to the next level in 2008 and as a result his draft stock is soaring. Seemingly a favorite of every scout who has evaluated him, Delmas isn't a household name yet but that will change in the coming months. Rest assured the NFL already knows all about him.
3. Sherrod Martin, CB, Troy
Last year Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin was a first round pick and Sherrod Martin is attempting to follow in his footsteps. As a pro prospect Martin obviously isn't in the same class as McKelvin, who was the #11 pick in the entire draft, but it's beginning to look like he could compete for a spot in Day One. Martin is a little older than the normal prospect and will be a 25-year-old rookie next year but physically he has everything you look for at 6-0 and 191 pounds with 4.45 speed. Durability is the big issue with Martin and he has already had both of his shoulders surgically repaired but if he can manage to stay healthy he has the ability to start at the next level. Martin has already received an invite to the Senior Bowl and that will be a great opportunity for him to showcase his talents and perhaps solidify himself as one of the Top 5 senior corner prospects available in this draft.
4. Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
If this name sounds familiar it should because his dad, also named Clay, played in the NFL from 1978 to 1996 and his uncle, Bruce, is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame following a 19-year career with the Houston Oilers / Tennessee Titans. A former walk-on at Southern Cal, Matthews spent most of his college career in the shadow of other great Trojan linebackers like Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing but as a senior he has emerged as a legit pro prospect in his own right. A versatile player who is capable of seeing action at any of the linebacker positions as well as defensive end, Matthews is also an outstanding special teamer who is being looked at by 4-3 and 3-4 teams alike. After beginning the year as a late rounder / priority free agent Matthews has improved his stock as much as any prospect in the country and he is now a potential Day One pick.
5. Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati
Talk about coming out of nowhere! Up until this year Connor Barwin was a tight end who from 2005-2007 had accumulated a very respectable 52 receptions for 691 yards (13.3 avg.) and 5 touchdowns. Despite that production the Bearcats decided to move him to defensive end for his senior season and it looks like they caught lightning in a bottle. In fact, in his first season on defense Barwin cracked double-digits in both tackles for a loss and sacks! There is no question that Barwin is still raw and will require some development but at 6-4 and 255 pounds with 4.6 speed and outstanding athleticism the sky is the limit in terms of his potential. Barwin is being looked at as both a 4-3 defensive end and a 3-4 outside linebacker at this point but wherever he ends up his main job will be to get after the quarterback. That's something he's proven to have quite the knack for.
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6. B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
If things had gone as planned B.J. Raji would already be in the NFL but he was forced to sit out the entire 2007 season for academic reasons. It looks like that may have been a blessing in disguise though because Raji had an outstanding senior campaign and now he won't have to compete with Glenn Dorsey or Sedric Ellis on Draft Day. A mountain of a man at 6-1 and 323 pounds, Raji is certainly capable of playing nose tackle in a 3-4 defense but he isn't just a run stuffer and could fit in a 4-3 scheme as well. Think Pat Williams. In fact, "Busari" really surprised scouts with his ability penetrate and make impact plays behind the line of scrimmage this year. Not only is Raji the consensus top senior defensive tackle in this draft but he is also a likely first round pick who could wind up being selected much earlier than most think, maybe even in the top half of round one.
7. Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Everyone knows about Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher but Jason Smith is right there with them battling to be the top senior offensive tackle in this draft. Similar in many ways to Duane Brown, who was a surprise first round pick of the Houston Texans last year, Smith is a former tight end who brings a terrific blend of size and athleticism to the position. A true left tackle who is very light on his feet, Smith earns high marks for his pass blocking and that has led many to believe he will be an ideal blind side protector at the next level. Also keep in mind that Smith only moved to the offensive line in 2006 so his best football is still ahead of him. At this point it looks like Smith is sure-fire Top 20 pick and he could compete for a spot in the Top 10 overall before all is said and done. Don't be surprised when this guy is selected ahead of other more highly-touted blockers.
8. Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
Most of the top underclassmen safeties stayed in school last year and as a result this class features a lot of players with an abundance of name recognition and hype. Rashad Johnson may not get as much pub and ink as others but he is in fact near the top of most teams boards and could get the last laugh on Draft Day. A former walk-on, Johnson makes up for what he lacks in physical tools with top-notch intangibles and in some ways he will remind you of Roman Harper, who was a second round pick of the New Orleans Saints in the 2006 NFL Draft. Johnson is the type who does everything well but nothing great yet he has a knack for making the big play and was one of the catalysts behind the Crimson Tide's surprising season. Johnson's stock has been steadily ticking upwards all year long and he now looks like a real solid second or third round pick in next April's draft.
9. Max Unger, C, Oregon
This guy might be the most versatile prospect in the 2009 NFL Draft because he could realistically play any of the five positions along the offensive line. That's right, he's a Center / Tackle / Guard. The ultimate "Slash"! Unger has played mostly left tackle during his career with the Ducks but even though he could man the blind side at the next level most teams are looking at him as a center, guard or right tackle. Alex Mack and Jonathan Luigs have received far more ink and accolades but many scouts feel Unger is the top center prospect in this draft, which is really saying something because this is the strongest crop of talent we've seen at the position in a very long time. Right now Unger looks like a sure-fire second round pick but there are some who feel he could even break into the latter part of round one. Now that would be quite an impressive accomplishment.
10. Graham Gano, K, Florida St.
After attempting a grand total of zero field goals and working as a punter and kickoff specialist during his first few years with the Seminoles Graham Gano came on like gangbusters in 2008. Gano replaced the immortal Gary Cismesia in Tallahassee and the results were nothing short of amazing as he hit over 90% of his attempts, including 5 of 7 from beyond 50 yards. Not bad for a guy with little or no prior experience! Gano basically came out of nowhere but in addition to being named a finalist for the Lou Groza award he is also emerging as one of the top kicker prospects for the 2009 NFL Draft. An all-around player with a lot of upside, Gano hits the ones he's supposed to but also has the leg strength to drill longer attempts and be a kickoff guy. Gano a very intriguing prospect who is flying up draft boards around the NFL and someone may even invest a pick on him.
The Not-So-Hot List
Cullen Harper, QB, Clemson
The 2008 season was nothing short of a nightmare for Harper. It wasn't very long ago that Harper was considered to be a potential first round pick and Clemson was ranked in the Top 10 nationally but things are obviously much different now. Harper battled a shoulder injury, which sapped his arm strength, and he was even benched at one point. To compound matters even further Harper essentially threw his former coach Tommy Bowden under the bus when he was fired, which has hurt him in the eyes of scouts more than anything he did on the field this year. There is still time for Harper to turn things around but he will really need to take advantage of the post-season All-Star games. Any hope Harper had of becoming The Next Matt Ryan is now officially out the window though.
1. Larry English, DE-OLB, Northern Illinois
One of the country's most prolific pass rushers, Larry English amassed an amazing 56.0 tackles for a loss and 32.5 sacks during his college career with the Huskies. As a senior English totaled 15.0 TFL and 8.0 Sacks en route to being named the Mid-American Conference's Most Valuable Player and, for the second year in a row, the Defensive Player of the Year. A classic 'tweener at 6-3 and 255 pounds, English played defensive end in college but he may have to make the move to outside linebacker in the pros. Most likely in a 3-4 scheme. What position English will play might still be up in the air but at this point scouts don't seem to care because they tend to find room for guys who can rush the passer like he can. Right now English looks like a fringe Day One pick but his stock is really soaring and there are some who feel he could compete for a spot in the first round.
2. Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
Not only is Delmas the best pro prospect the Broncos have produced since Greg Jennings and Tony Scheffler back in 2006 but like them he just might find a home in the second round when all is said and done. In terms of physical tools Delmas is adequate across the board but he certainly isn't going to make anyone's jaw hit the floor in workouts. However, when it comes to intangibles and leadership ability Delmas compares favorably with anyone in the country. Delmas had a very nice college resume heading into his senior season and was considered to be a decent pro prospect but he really took his game to the next level in 2008 and as a result his draft stock is soaring. Seemingly a favorite of every scout who has evaluated him, Delmas isn't a household name yet but that will change in the coming months. Rest assured the NFL already knows all about him.
3. Sherrod Martin, CB, Troy
Last year Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin was a first round pick and Sherrod Martin is attempting to follow in his footsteps. As a pro prospect Martin obviously isn't in the same class as McKelvin, who was the #11 pick in the entire draft, but it's beginning to look like he could compete for a spot in Day One. Martin is a little older than the normal prospect and will be a 25-year-old rookie next year but physically he has everything you look for at 6-0 and 191 pounds with 4.45 speed. Durability is the big issue with Martin and he has already had both of his shoulders surgically repaired but if he can manage to stay healthy he has the ability to start at the next level. Martin has already received an invite to the Senior Bowl and that will be a great opportunity for him to showcase his talents and perhaps solidify himself as one of the Top 5 senior corner prospects available in this draft.
4. Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
If this name sounds familiar it should because his dad, also named Clay, played in the NFL from 1978 to 1996 and his uncle, Bruce, is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame following a 19-year career with the Houston Oilers / Tennessee Titans. A former walk-on at Southern Cal, Matthews spent most of his college career in the shadow of other great Trojan linebackers like Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing but as a senior he has emerged as a legit pro prospect in his own right. A versatile player who is capable of seeing action at any of the linebacker positions as well as defensive end, Matthews is also an outstanding special teamer who is being looked at by 4-3 and 3-4 teams alike. After beginning the year as a late rounder / priority free agent Matthews has improved his stock as much as any prospect in the country and he is now a potential Day One pick.
5. Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati
Talk about coming out of nowhere! Up until this year Connor Barwin was a tight end who from 2005-2007 had accumulated a very respectable 52 receptions for 691 yards (13.3 avg.) and 5 touchdowns. Despite that production the Bearcats decided to move him to defensive end for his senior season and it looks like they caught lightning in a bottle. In fact, in his first season on defense Barwin cracked double-digits in both tackles for a loss and sacks! There is no question that Barwin is still raw and will require some development but at 6-4 and 255 pounds with 4.6 speed and outstanding athleticism the sky is the limit in terms of his potential. Barwin is being looked at as both a 4-3 defensive end and a 3-4 outside linebacker at this point but wherever he ends up his main job will be to get after the quarterback. That's something he's proven to have quite the knack for.
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6. B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
If things had gone as planned B.J. Raji would already be in the NFL but he was forced to sit out the entire 2007 season for academic reasons. It looks like that may have been a blessing in disguise though because Raji had an outstanding senior campaign and now he won't have to compete with Glenn Dorsey or Sedric Ellis on Draft Day. A mountain of a man at 6-1 and 323 pounds, Raji is certainly capable of playing nose tackle in a 3-4 defense but he isn't just a run stuffer and could fit in a 4-3 scheme as well. Think Pat Williams. In fact, "Busari" really surprised scouts with his ability penetrate and make impact plays behind the line of scrimmage this year. Not only is Raji the consensus top senior defensive tackle in this draft but he is also a likely first round pick who could wind up being selected much earlier than most think, maybe even in the top half of round one.
7. Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Everyone knows about Eugene Monroe and Michael Oher but Jason Smith is right there with them battling to be the top senior offensive tackle in this draft. Similar in many ways to Duane Brown, who was a surprise first round pick of the Houston Texans last year, Smith is a former tight end who brings a terrific blend of size and athleticism to the position. A true left tackle who is very light on his feet, Smith earns high marks for his pass blocking and that has led many to believe he will be an ideal blind side protector at the next level. Also keep in mind that Smith only moved to the offensive line in 2006 so his best football is still ahead of him. At this point it looks like Smith is sure-fire Top 20 pick and he could compete for a spot in the Top 10 overall before all is said and done. Don't be surprised when this guy is selected ahead of other more highly-touted blockers.
8. Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
Most of the top underclassmen safeties stayed in school last year and as a result this class features a lot of players with an abundance of name recognition and hype. Rashad Johnson may not get as much pub and ink as others but he is in fact near the top of most teams boards and could get the last laugh on Draft Day. A former walk-on, Johnson makes up for what he lacks in physical tools with top-notch intangibles and in some ways he will remind you of Roman Harper, who was a second round pick of the New Orleans Saints in the 2006 NFL Draft. Johnson is the type who does everything well but nothing great yet he has a knack for making the big play and was one of the catalysts behind the Crimson Tide's surprising season. Johnson's stock has been steadily ticking upwards all year long and he now looks like a real solid second or third round pick in next April's draft.
9. Max Unger, C, Oregon
This guy might be the most versatile prospect in the 2009 NFL Draft because he could realistically play any of the five positions along the offensive line. That's right, he's a Center / Tackle / Guard. The ultimate "Slash"! Unger has played mostly left tackle during his career with the Ducks but even though he could man the blind side at the next level most teams are looking at him as a center, guard or right tackle. Alex Mack and Jonathan Luigs have received far more ink and accolades but many scouts feel Unger is the top center prospect in this draft, which is really saying something because this is the strongest crop of talent we've seen at the position in a very long time. Right now Unger looks like a sure-fire second round pick but there are some who feel he could even break into the latter part of round one. Now that would be quite an impressive accomplishment.
10. Graham Gano, K, Florida St.
After attempting a grand total of zero field goals and working as a punter and kickoff specialist during his first few years with the Seminoles Graham Gano came on like gangbusters in 2008. Gano replaced the immortal Gary Cismesia in Tallahassee and the results were nothing short of amazing as he hit over 90% of his attempts, including 5 of 7 from beyond 50 yards. Not bad for a guy with little or no prior experience! Gano basically came out of nowhere but in addition to being named a finalist for the Lou Groza award he is also emerging as one of the top kicker prospects for the 2009 NFL Draft. An all-around player with a lot of upside, Gano hits the ones he's supposed to but also has the leg strength to drill longer attempts and be a kickoff guy. Gano a very intriguing prospect who is flying up draft boards around the NFL and someone may even invest a pick on him.
The Not-So-Hot List
Cullen Harper, QB, Clemson
The 2008 season was nothing short of a nightmare for Harper. It wasn't very long ago that Harper was considered to be a potential first round pick and Clemson was ranked in the Top 10 nationally but things are obviously much different now. Harper battled a shoulder injury, which sapped his arm strength, and he was even benched at one point. To compound matters even further Harper essentially threw his former coach Tommy Bowden under the bus when he was fired, which has hurt him in the eyes of scouts more than anything he did on the field this year. There is still time for Harper to turn things around but he will really need to take advantage of the post-season All-Star games. Any hope Harper had of becoming The Next Matt Ryan is now officially out the window though.
