Scott Wright's Hot List

[Big Dakota]

By Scott Wright
April 21, 2007 As anyone who follows the NFL Draft knows positive or negative momentum can play a big role in determining where a player is ultimately drafted. The following is a look at which players have that buzz at the moment as well as some who do not. Please keep in mind that this is just a weekly snapshot of football's hottest prospects and 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 round pick. Here's the guys with helium:


1. Justin Harrell, DT, TennesseeHeading into the 2006 season most had Justin Harrell pegged as the top senior defensive tackle prospect in the nation, ahead of Amobi Okoye, but unfortunately he tore his biceps and missed all but three games this past year. Harrell's stock has been on the rise as of late though and he might be emerging as the #3 tackle available and a probable late first round pick. You have to believe his toughness and team-first attitude will help him as well after he put off surgery for a week and played in pain to try and help the Vols beat Florida. 2. Joe Staley, OT, Central MichiganThere is no doubt that Joe Staley is one of the hottest prospects in the draft right now and while you certainly can't discount his talent and great Pro Day workout (he ran a 4.82 forty at 304 lbs.) a big part of the reason is simple circumstances at his position. Basically the supply is just not meeting the demand when it comes to the offensive tackle position and if you don't get one of the Big 3 of Joe Thomas, Levi Brown or Staley there is a chance you won't get a left tackle who can come in and contribute early on. Right now Staley is a lock for the Top 20-25 and depending on how things break down the Top 10 overall is not even out of the question. 3. Trent Edwards, QB, StanfordThere is no denying the huge drop-off at the quarterback position after Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell but the gap just might be narrowing. Trent Edwards put on a show at his Pro Day workout and as a result it's looking more and more like he could be the 3rd signal caller chosen and maybe come off the board as early as the top of round two. Physically Edwards is the total package but he just didn't get to show it for a terrible Stanford team so if he can manage to stay healthy many feel he could be a starting quarterback in the NFL. 4. Justin Durant, OLB, HamptonEveryone seems to be focused on the names Willis, Beason, Timmons and Posluszny as the top linebackers in this draft and rightfully so but don't be surprised if Justin Durant is ultimately the next guy to come off the board. A speedy, athletic linebacker who could project inside or outside, do not be fooled by Durant's small school roots because he is definitely a player and there are a number of teams who have their eyes on him in the second round. In a relatively weak year for the linebacker position Durant just might be a hidden gem. 5. John Beck, QB, B.Y.U.Most feel the race to be the third signal caller chosen is between Trent Edwards, Drew Stanton and Kevin Kolb but many around the league are starting to throw John Beck's name into the conversation as well and he just might end up being a Day One pick before all is said and done. A productive passer coming off a big senior campaign, Beck has great intangibles and just enough physical tools to make scouts think he could at least be an excellent backup in the pros and maybe even a starter in the right situation. He is quietly moving up. 6. Jon Beason, OLB, Miami (FL)Everyone knows about Paul Posluszny and Lawrence Timmons but don't be surprised if Jon Beason is the first linebacker drafted this year, maybe as early as the middle of round one. Even though he is undersized and didn't work out as well as expected teams love what this Hurricane standout showed them on tape (that eye in the sky certainly doesn't lie) and as a result he has quietly moved into position at the top of many of their linebacker boards. Able to project either inside or outside, his versitility should also prove to be a big asset. 7. Steve Smith, WR, USCIt would have been inconceivable a couple of months ago but there is now at least a chance that Steve Smith could be drafted ahead of his more highly-touted teammate Dwayne Jarrett. In the end I don't think that will happen but just the fact that it's even possible is amazing. Smith played second fiddle to Jarrett his entire college career but he has really come on as of late and thanks to some strong workouts he has potentially worked his way into the early portion of round two. He'll never be a true #1 but Smith looks like a solid #2. 8. Small School Offensive TacklesIn recent years we have seen offensive linemen from small schools thrive in the pros, with Todd Herremans (Saginaw Valley St.) of the Eagles and Jahri Evans (Bloomsburg) of the Saints being prime examples. With a lack of top talent at offensive tackle this year we will probably see teams more inclined to take a chance on guys from lower levels of competition, with Allen Barbre of Missouri Southern St., Jacob Bender of Nicholls St., Jermon Bushrod of Towson and Elliot Vallejo of Cal-Davis as the top candidates to be drafted at some point. 9. Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami (FL)Were it not for some character and off-the-field concerns Brandon Meriweather might have been a mid-first round pick and maybe the second player chosen at his position but as it stands now he'll likely be a steal for someone in late round one or early round two. A true playmaker in the deep patrol who can even play a little cornerback in a pinch, Meriweather is the next in a long line of great Hurricane defensive backs and his stock is gaining momentum right now. There are always surprises on D-Day and he could go higher than you think. 10. Jackie Battle, FB, HoustonThe biggest winner on the Pro Day circuit this year might have been Jackie Battle, who ran a 4.42 forty at 6-2 and 235lbs. recently. A classic fullback / running back 'tweener who might not have an ideal position, Battle isn't just a workout warrior because he was pretty productive in college and even scored 15 touchdowns as a senior. He won't go real high but thanks to his workout Battle has gone from an undrafted afterthought to an intriguing late round type and he could be the third fullback chosen after Brian Leonard and Le'Ron McClain.

The Not-So-Hot List Michael Bush, RB, LouisvilleThis is turning out to be a sad story. Michael Bush actually wanted to come out following his junior season but when he saw so many other top underclassmen at his position bolting he went back to school. That looked to be a good decision as he was projected to be the top senior running back for 2007, a first round pick and a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy. Unfortunately for Bush he broke his leg in the first game of the year and missed the rest of the season but despite having a redshirt year available to him he opted to take a pass and head to the NFL. There was talk that he could still be a 2nd or 3rd round pick if he showed he was healthy prior to Draft Day but it was just recently announced that he had to have a second surgery to have a rod inserted into that leg and that he wouldn't be ready for action for another couple of months. At this point it looks like Bush is going to fall to Day Two, where he could be a major steal for someone. Good luck Mike!

 

[chicago JK]

I must admit that Merriwether has definately perked my ears. There have too many draft analysts I really respect who said the guy is going to be an excellent player for a long time. I know there are character concerns and those may worry me too much. Although, I love the fact of having a flexible safety who can at times match up one on one against a WR. That gives you so much more flexibility to run some elaborate defenses.

 

[chicago JK]

Here is what Rob Rang says about Merriwether.


Brandon Meriweather, Miami: Based on his play, Meriweather is an easy first round pick and thus, ineligible for this list. Two ugly off-field incidents may scare off teams enough that he falls out of the top 32, however. I generally avoid character concerns. No other player on this list has been red-flagged. When I looked into Meriweather's eyes at the Combine as he answered questions about his role in the Florida International melee, I believed his regret.

I believe he is a player who made mistakes, has learned from them, and is the leader who was voted defensive team captain as a senior and who was the only player involved in the melee to publicly apologize for his role. Though 5-11, 195 pounds, Meriweather hits like a linebacker and covers like a cornerback. His play stood out amongst the best in country at the Senior Bowl. The last safety I was this impressed with during Senior Bowl practices was Colts star Bob Sanders. Let me put it this way - there are only a handful of players, regardless of position or ranking, in this entire draft who I feel rank with Meriweather as sure things. This kid is going to be a star.

 

[Woods]

I must admit that Merriwether has definately perked my ears. There have too many draft analysts I really respect who said the guy is going to be an excellent player for a long time. I know there are character concerns and those may worry me too much. Although, I love the fact of having a flexible safety who can at times match up one on one against a WR. That gives you so much more flexibility to run some elaborate defenses.

I don't think Ireland and JJ are going to take that risk in the 1st round (i.e., character concerns). Too much money at stake as well as reputational risk for the organization.

 

[Gaede]

I'm on board with Merriweather in the first round...He's actually one of the guys I prefer, since he can shuttle between CB and FS, which would be perfect for the Boys.

It's a huge risk, but so is everyone else likely to be available at 22. I'd prefer Nelson, but I'm not buying his slide. I still think someone's taking him ahead of us.

 

[ddh33]

I've been on the Meriweather bandwagon for a while. His abilities on the field are an obvious plus, but I felt the same way about his character. Granted, all I saw were some interviews, but he seemed like a good kid. Some of the guys who get interviewed come across poorly. He didn't.

 

[skinsscalper]

ray:

Please let Bush fall to us in the 5th.

SS

 

[adamknite]

ray:

Please let Bush fall to us in the 5th.

SS

I'm all for taking Bush somwhere in this draft. I'd go as high as a third, if there are talks a team is going to snag him in the 4th.

 

[big dog cowboy]

One of those playoff teams like Indy or NE will take a chance on Meriweather. Bush will probably go in the 4th. After spending Saturday night looking at their draft board someone will think he has more upside than anyone else left.

 

[28 Joker]

He will not get past the Patriots at 24. They want Nelson. He has visited them. The Giants' coaches had dinner with Meriweather, and they brought him in by himself. This could be trouble for us. I think he the exact player we need. Just put the Saints tape in before you pick Jerry.

 

[Big Dakota]

One of those playoff teams like Indy or NE will take a chance on Meriweather. Bush will probably go in the 4th. After spending Saturday night looking at their draft board someone will think he has more upside than anyone else left.

The Colts have Bob Sanders at FS and Antoine Bethea at SS. Bethea played well last year and the Colts have DL, OLB and WR NEEDS. Ya never know with Polian but S is probably way down on their needs list.

Now the Pats, they need S help.

 

[Big Dakota]

He will not get past the Patriots at 24. They want Nelson. He has visited them. The Giants' coaches had dinner with Meriweather, and they brought him in by himself. This could be trouble for us. I think he the exact player we need. Just put the Saints tape in before you pick Jerry.

And the tapes of Detroit and PhIlly.

OBTW :bounce:

 

[jobberone]

And the tapes of Detroit and PhIlly.

OBTW :bounce:

I refuse.

 

[Big Dakota]

I refuse.

Ya, i'd rather have a tooth pulled myself