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Thursday, November 30, 2006

Michael Bush Still Undecided

Louisville running back Michael Bush hasn't decided whether to seek a medical redshirt and return to college or enter the NFL draft. His senior season ended in the opener against Kentucky when he suffered a broken right leg. Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said Bush "is improving a lot" in his rehabilitation, "but he still does have a limp and a ways to go." Doctors have said he should be fully recovered by late February or early March.

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Darrelle Revis Expected to Go Pro

Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt said he met this week with junior cornerback Darrelle Revis, who is expected to forgo his senior season for the NFL Draft. Revis is a legitimate first round talent, and could become a very good cover man early in his NFL career. He has excellent quickness, and shows the ability to easily mirror receivers throughout their route. He also possesses good size, and is not afraid to mix it up in run support.

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Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Lynch over Peterson on Draft Day

Six months ago no one thought Marshawn Lynch would be drafted higher then Adrian Peterson. That is now a possibility. Both are excellent backs and if they declare, probable top ten picks. But while Peterson finished the season with another injury, Lynch is putting the finishing touches on another impressive year.

The Cal junior has compiled over 1400 total yards, 9 TDs, and sports a 6.3 ypc average. Lynch is the perfect size for a RB at 5-11 and 215 lbs. He's a good interior runner and can break tackles, yet has the elusiveness to make people miss, and the speed to outrun defenders. He also has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and make big plays in the passing game.

Peterson is faster and taller then Lynch, but hasn't been able to stay healthy. Some scouts are worried that with his long frame, Peterson runs upright and opens his body up for punishment and injury. The junior also hasn't been involved in the passing game at Oklahoma and doesn't have the receiving skill that Lynch does.

Their final draft order won't be decided till draft day and a lot will be determined during post-season workouts, but there is now a possibility that Peterson won't be the first RB off the board during the 2007 NFL draft.

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Tuesday, November 28, 2006

ASU Coach Fired, Zach Miller Likely to Enter Draft

Arizona State's dismissal of Dirk Koetter makes it more likely that junior tight end Zach Miller will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft. "We're disappointed," said Tom Miller, father of Zach "Every player is disappointed with their investment (into the program). Anything that changes the coaching staff, Zach would have to take into consideration." If he enters the draft, Miller would be the top rated TE and possible first round selection.

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Sunday, November 26, 2006

Quinn Loses, Still Number One Pick

Brady Quinn couldn't lead Notre Dame to victory Saturday night against USC, however it won't effect his draft stock. It's hard to imagine Quinn not being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. NFL teams value QBs more than any other position and Quinn is a prototypical NFL QB prospect. He has great size at 6'4 - 231, very good arm strength, can make all the throws on the field and his accuracy has continued to improve every year. On top of that he's spent the last two seasons in Charlie Weis' pro-style offense.

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Saturday, November 25, 2006

Amobi Okoye Moves into Kiper's Top 10

Mel Kiper's latest big board of the top 25 seniors has Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye listed at number eight. Okoye may be the ideal nose tackle. He is built low to the ground, and stays low, making it hard for defenders to get under his pads. Combined with his bulk and his strength, he is immovable on the interior. He is powerful at the point of attack and can push lineman around clogging running lanes on the inside.

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Thursday, November 23, 2006

Reggie Nelson's Mom Says He's Headed to the NFL

Florida's Reggie Nelson hasn't made it official, but his Mother, Mary Lakes expects the junior safety to leave the Gators in January for the NFL Draft. "I think he's going to walk," Lakes told FLORIDA TODAY. "I think he's decided he's going to say, 'I'm going to go give the NFL a try.' " Tuesday, Nelson was named as one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award that goes to the nation's top defensive back.

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Notre Dame - USC Prospects to Watch

Saturday's matchup between Notre Dame and USC will feature many future NFL stars. Keep an eye on these 2007 NFL Draft prospects.

Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
Quinn is the prototypical pocket passer. He has great size, along with the strength and willingness to sit in the pocket and deliver a strike. He has very good arm strength, and can make all the throws on the field.

Chauncey Washington, RB, USC, Jr.
Washington has the all around package to be a standout running back. He has excellent size and power, but also has the speed and agility to run away from defenders.

Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC, Jr.
There isn’t a player in the country that can go up and get the ball like Jarrett does. He shows the ability to make the tough grab over the middle and take a hit, but he makes a living in the red zone or as a vertical target.

Steve Smith, WR, USC
Steve Smith may not be spectacular in any way, but he is solid across the board. He has solid size, and is not afraid to go over the middle and make plays. He has the quickness to beat the corner off the line, and the speed to get vertical and make plays.

Ryan Kalil, C, USC
He is as smart and tough as they come on the field, and he will attack defensive linemen considerably bigger than him. He sets up quickly and has the quick hands and feet to keep his man at bay.

Victor Abiamiri, DE, Notre Dame
Physically, Abiamiri has it all. He is a great athlete, showing great agility, quickness, and speed on the football field. He has a very lean frame, and is strong for a player his size. He brings a lot of talent and potential as a playmaker off the edge.

Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC, Jr.
He gets a quick burst off the line, and is quick changing directions to get past the tackle. Jackson also shows the closing speed to get to the ball carrier and bring him down. Lawrence Jackson is a very good defensive end prospect, but he is not an elite one.

Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame
Zbikowski is aggressive and tough. He loves attacking the line of scrimmage to stop the run, but has fantastic ball skills to go along with it. Zbikowski is also an excellent returner, and it only enhances his value as a football player.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Hawaii Quarterback Colt Brennan Intends to Stay

Colt Brennan intends to stay at Hawaii and said it would take an "extraordinary situation" to make him forgo his senior season. However, he left the door open if he were to project as a first-round selection in April, saying, "you'd have to consider (applying for the draft). That doesn't mean I'd go, but you'd have to consider it."

Brennan has received a lot of buzz from draft watchers after Kiper named him his top junior QB. Supporters point to his production at Hawaii, quick release, and intelligence for his high rankings. Critics argue that his unorthodox throwing motion and Hawaii's schedule and offense distort his true potential. Decide for yourself... here is a 4 min highlight video from youtube.

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Jack Ikegwuonu Moving Up Draft Boards

Wisconsin cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu has been moving up draft boards all season. A red-shirt sophomore, Ikegwuonu is a play-maker with outstanding cover skills. At 6-1 and 200 lbs with good speed, he has a bright future ahead of him in the NFL whenever he leaves college. No word yet on whether Ikegwuonu will enter the 2007 draft.

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Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Vols' Ainge to Return, Hopes to Have Meachem Back

Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge announced he will return to the Vols for his senior year and he is hoping that junior wide receiver Robert Meachem will return with him. "He's a great football player,'' Ainge said. ``I think if he were to stay then obviously that would help our team out tremendously, and I think that would help him out too." Meachem has 1,149 yards and 10 touchdowns in 11 games this season. If he declares, he's probably a second rounder and is currently ranked sixth at WR by FF's Robert Davis.

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Sunday, November 19, 2006

Dwayne Wright will Enter the NFL Draft

Fresno State running back Dwayne Wright announced he will skip his final season with the Bulldogs to enter the NFL draft. With 133 yards rushing on Saturday, Wright topped the 1,000-yard mark for the second time in his career with a total of 1,061. The junior missed most of 2004 and all of 2005 when he tore his left patellar tendon. Wright is a power runner at 6-foot, 215 pounds. While he lacks great speed he shows a quick burst through the line and has excellent hands, currently leading the Bulldogs with 26 receptions.

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Lions Lose, Take Control of First Overall Pick

After Detroit's loss to Arizona, they now hold the number one spot in the draft, if it were held today. Arizona, Oakland, Washington, and Houston round out the top five draft spots.

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FSU's Lawrence Timmons to Return for Senior Year

Florida State linebacker Lawrence Timmons announced he will return to the Seminoles next season. When the junior linebacker was asked on Sunday whether he was coming back for his senior season at Florida State, he replied: “Oh yeah, I'm coming back.”

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Troy Smith's Stock Up After Big Win

Troy Smith put an exclamation mark on his impressive college resume with a performance fitting a future Heisman winner. In the biggest game of the year, Smith dominated the talented Michigan defense. He completed 70% of his passes for 318 yards and 4 TDs. Smith showed he can make all throws and has an NFL caliber arm. He displayed a remarkable ability to avoid the rush and throw accurately on the run. Smith's performance earned a berth in the National Championship game, a Heisman trophy, and a possible spot in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft.

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DeMarcus Tyler's Draft Stock on the Rise

DeMarcus Tyler, nicknamed the tank, is a road block on NC State's defensive line. The 305-pound senior defensive tackle, has 42 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss. Scouts are taking notice of Tyler's play and he's shooting up draft boards. He'll battle Quinn Pitcock to be the first senior defensive tackle selected in the 2007 NFL draft.

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Friday, November 17, 2006

Lions and Cardinals Battle for First Overall Pick

The loser of the Cardinals - Lions game on Sunday will have the inside track on the first overall selection in the 2007 NFL draft. If the draft were held today the top five picks would be held by the following teams: Arizona, Detroit, Oakland, Tampa Bay, and Tennessee.

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Penn State Seniors have Bright NFL Futures

No one was drafted from Penn State in the 2005 NFL draft, a low point during the Paterno era. This year's seniors won't share that fate and should be well-represented in the 2007 draft. Linebacker Paul Posluszny and offensive tackle Levi Brown are potential first round selections. Other seniors who could receive an NFL look, either as draft picks or free agents, include running back Tony Hunt, defensive end Tim Shaw, defensive tackles Jay Alford and Ed Johnson, defensive back Donnie Johnson and punter Jeremy Kapinos.

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Thursday, November 16, 2006

Arizona State's Miller Considers Leaving for NFL

Arizona State tight end Zach Miller will be the highest rated TE if he decides to enter the NFL draft. The junior recently commented on his upcoming decision, "That's just going to come with life, moving on. I definitely haven't decided anything yet. I think about it, but I'm not trying to lean one way or the other yet." After the season, Miller will work through the NFL advisory board to receive a draft projection.

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Reggie Nelson Hounded by Agents to Turn Pro

Florida's Reggie Nelson is an impact player at safety. He is one of 11 semifinalists for the Thorpe Award, which goes to the nation's top defensive back. The junior faces a difficult decision on whether to turn pro or return to UF and agents are hoping he enters the NFL draft. Nelson has been hounded so much by agents that he finally had to stop answering his cell phone. Nelson's mother has battled cancer for several years, and that will likely weigh on his decision to leave. If he enters the draft, he'll be a first day selection and is currently ranked as the #4 safety at FF.

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Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Sidney Rice will Return to USC Next Season

Receiver Sidney Rice told South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier he will return next season. Rice, a redshirt sophomore, is eligible to enter the 2007 NFL draft because he is three years removed from high school. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Rice could still change his mind and enter the draft where he has an outside shot at going in the first round. This shot has one USC teammate, Syvelle Newton, unconvinced he is actually going to return. “I can’t see Sidney coming back,” Newton said.

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Three Virginia Tech Players to Return in 2007

Running back Branden Ore, Right tackle Duane Brown, and linebacker Vince Hall all announced they will return for their senior season. Ore, a third-year sophomore, leads the ACC in rushing with 1,090 yards and 14 touchdowns . Hall leads the ACC in tackles.

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Russell's final game in Tiger Stadium?

If LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell decides to enter the NFL draft, the Tigers' home finale against Ole Miss will be it. Russell isn't dropping any hints as to his decision. "Right now, that's nowhere in my head," Russell said. "My main thing is finishing out this season and putting my teammates first." FF's Robert Davis thinks he'll go pro and has him rated as the #4 QB, however he could be the second QB selected after Quinn depending on who declares and post-season performances.

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Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Missouri's Rucker not Jumping to the NFL

Missouri tight end Martin Rucker will return for his senior year. Rucker, a junior, has had a disappointing season with 36 receptions for 315 yards and 4 TDs. “For me to leave early,” Rucker said, “I’d have to be a really high draft pick. And I don’t think my stats this season would make me that high of a draft pick. It would have to be first or second round, and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be that way now.” Rucker’s brother, Mike, plays defensive end for the Carolina Panthers.

Virginia's Chris Long to Stay for Senior Year

Virginia defensive end Chris Long announced he has no intentions of skipping his senior season and entering the NFL Draft. The junior has had a great season this year with 43 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 16 quarterback pressures and 4 sacks, all while drawing plenty of double teams.

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Cardinals Difficult Decision at Number One

If the draft were held today, the Arizona Cardinals would select first overall. So who would they select? The Cardinals certainly don't have a need for WR, RB, or QB; so we have to assume that they would pass on Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson, and Brady Quinn. Would they select Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin? While that fills a major need, especially with Leonard Davis slated to be a free agent, it doesn't seem like a smart choice. A trade down would be a much better scenario with the Cards stockpiling additional picks.

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Monday, November 13, 2006

Gators Talented Juniors Could Go Pro

Urban Meyer commented on Florida's talented juniors on defense, saying ''If you're a first-rounder, you've got to go (to the NFL)''. Safety Reggie Nelson, linebacker Brandon Siler and defensive end Jarvis Moss are projected to be high picks if they decide to leave.

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Sunday, November 12, 2006

No More Excuses for Losman, Bills Could Draft QB

The Buffalo News says it's time to stop making excuses for Losman and look for a QB in the draft. Brady Quinn would be the choice if available at the Bills pick, however chance are he'll be gone by then. Brian Brohm or Drew Stanton are also possibilities.

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Stephen Nicholas Makes Most Of Senior Year

South Florida linebacker Stephen Nicholas certainly helped his draft stock by staying his senior year. Projected as a fourth- or fifth-round pick last season, Nicholas could go by the third round in April's draft. Nicholas leads the Bulls in tackles for losses (nine), sacks (4 1/2 ) and solo tackles (54).

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Ted Ginn Considering NFL

In a recent interview, Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr. commented on his NFL plans, stating "Right now, I wouldn't say it's too early (to consider the future), but I'll see how the rest of the year goes." If Ginn declares he should be a first round selection and one of the top receivers in the draft.

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Saturday, November 11, 2006

Ray McDonald's Stock is Soaring

Florida's Ray McDonald is shooting up draft boards after his excellent play this season. Scouts were down on McDonald after a knee injury in 2005, but he's proving healthy and dominating on Florida's defense. McDonald can play defensive end or tackle and will be a first rounder with a successful post-season (Senior Bowl, Combine, Pro Day).

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Jeff Samardzija in Kiper's Top 5

Kiper just updated his big board and Notre Dame's Jeff Samardzija moved into the top 5. While this is surprising, one has to remember that Kiper's board only includes seniors and Samardzija will fall once the top juniors declare. If they declare, expect the following junior receivers to be rated higher then Samardzija: Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech, Dwayne Jarrett, USC, Ted Ginn Jr, Ohio St.

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