two more interesting prospects declare

[chicago JK]

big running back and hybrid pass rusher
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ESPN.com news services
Louisville: Running back Eric Shelton has decided to give up his senior season to make himself eligible for the NFL draft in April, ESPN.com's Pat Forde has learned.


Shelton rushed for 938 yards, a 6.4-yard average, with 20 rushing touchdowns, helping Louisville to a one-loss season and a Liberty Bowl victory. Shelton also had six catches for 35 yards this past season.


Maryland: Junior linebacker/defensive end Shawne Merriman, one of the ACC leaders in sacks and tackles for loss over the past two seasons, will bypass his senior season of eligibility to enter the 2005 NFL draft, ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli has learned. Merriman, who has filed the pertinent paperwork with the league, will announce his decision Wednesday.


He met with Ralph Friedgen on Tuesday and has the blessing of the Terps head coach.


"It's something I had been thinking about for a long time," said Merriman, a fierce pass rusher who posted 8½ sacks each of the last two seasons. "In terms of talking it out with my family and stuff, I kind of made the decision on my own, but I've got great support."


Merriman did participate in the evaluation service offered to underclass players by the NFL, in which personnel directors and scouts review him and make an assessment of his potential draft status. Their recommendation was that Merriman figures to be a first- or second-round selection.


Part of the appeal of Merriman, who is only 20 years old and checks in at 6-feet-4 and 262 pounds, is that he is the kind of hybrid "edge" player so many teams are seeking these days. Merriman played principally at linebacker but also lined up at defensive end in "nickel" situations. One scout said Tuesday night that he felt Merriman could play either of the outside linebacker spots or end in the NFL, and acknowledged that the Maryland standout is a "very rare" player.


"He's a pup who should become a big dog," said the scout, who works for an AFC club, but who is precluded by league rules from discussing underclass players for attribution, until they are officially accepted into the draft pool.

 

[BigDInCharlotte]

In the right system, Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman will be a beast. We will miss him at Maryland, but I'd love to see him in a Dallas uniform next season. As long as Zimmer doesn't waste his talents, that is.

Probably similar to Kalen Thornton, if I can compare him to anyone on the current Dallas roster...great speed rusher, although I think he is a bit heavier than Thornton (going off the top of my head). His stock will probably rise a good bit at the combines/workouts, because he's an athletic freak.

 

[zagnut]

Have been pushing Merriman for the last two+ months. He's going to be fantaztic in the NFL. Perfect demeanor for the position(s) he plays.

He would be my number 1 defensive end and number 2 OLB. Would compare him to John Abraham. Might not last to #20, but we could definitely trade down from #11, pick him up while also picking up a 3rd and 5th rounder.

 

[Shotgun Dave]

If you've looked at a lot of mocks (I have a BUNCH) you'd be AMAZED at the amount of talent in the first round. I don't know this Merriman guy but I'd be STUNNED if he went before 20 overall simply because you can look at the amount of talent that is already there. He'd have to bump some pretty impressive talent to go in the top 20.

This is going to be an interesting draft. Dallas is likely to get first round talent with their second round pick - there is just that much there. How about a Shaun Cody with the 2nd pick? Hard to believe but entirely possible. Or maybe a Chris Henry? Possibly the 3rd best WR available and we could possibly get him in the second round.

I can't wait. In fact, IMO, I see DE, CB and WR as some of the deeper positions this year. RB is pretty deep too but I think we can accomplish our goals there through FA more easily.

 

[ghettogandhi]

Ive also been pushing for him since last year- check with nors I turned him on to shawn earlier last year when he was obsessed with the 3-4 defense.

Having said that I truly believe parcells will focus on two areas- 3 if your technical- first and foremost replacing two of our linebackers- via the draft and free agency and then both olines- alex barron to go with merriman in the first round would make me very happy- chris canty would be nice also if he came out-

but it looks as though this will be a great draft - lots of depth at linebacker and cornerback along with running back and wide receiver- we will draft a player at each position.

Have been pushing Merriman for the last two+ months. He's going to be fantaztic in the NFL. Perfect demeanor for the position(s) he plays.

He would be my number 1 defensive end and number 2 OLB. Would compare him to John Abraham. Might not last to #20, but we could definitely trade down from #11, pick him up while also picking up a 3rd and 5th rounder.

 

[Rush 2112]

Canty doesn't have a choice to stay or go.