2007 NFL Draft
The Early Entries And What Happened To Them
By
Pete Fiutak
My
rule of thumb for pro prospects is this: If your game relies purely
on speed, come out. Every football player needs speed to some
degree, but a receiver, running back and defensive back only has so
many years of blazing speed in them. Any slippage in that top gear,
and you're out of the league. Running backs can only take so many
shots and should come out as soon as humanly possible. Everyone else
should stay in school unless they're a sure-fire first or second
round pick.
Oh sure, JaMarcus Russell, Calvin Johnson, and Adrian Peterson
turned out fine, but Darius Walker, Ahmad Bradshaw, Charles Johnson,
and Brandon Siler all were very, very disappointed.
Coming
back, but could've been rich ...
The top five players that chose to return.
1. Brian Brohm, QB Louisville
And with the first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select ...
2. Glenn Dorsey, DT LSU
About ten teams were ticked off about this. Dorsey would've been
a lock for the top 20.
3. Jake Long, OT Michigan
Athletic tackles tend to get snapped up quickly.
4. Andre Woodson, QB Kentucky
His stock was starting to quickly shoot up and might've been a
late first rounder.
5. Keith Rivers, LB USC
The NFL told him he'd have gone in the 2nd round. He'd have been
taken in the top 20. |
Jon Abbate, LB Wake Forest
Originally Projected in January: Late first day, early second day
Did it seem like a good move in January? Ehhhh, it depends on how fast he runs at
the combines. His size is going to be an issue, but he's not a
safety. Another year at Wake Forest would've made him a sure-thing
top 100 pick.
What happened? He wasn't drafted.
How'd it all turn out? Cut by and then returned with the Houston
Texans as a fullback, but was on injured reserve.
Jamaal Anderson, DE Arkansas
Originally Projected in January: 1st round, top 15
Did it seem like a good move in January? Great move coming off a big day against
Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl. a top 20 pick before, now he's
being talked about in the top five.
What happened? First round, Atlanta, 8th pick
How'd it all turn out? The jury is still out. He made 30 tackles,
but didn't do anything as a pass rusher.
Antwan Applewhite, DE San Diego State
Originally Projected in January: Late first day
Did it seem like a good move in January? A good pass rusher, Applewhite's issue is
his size at just 235 pounds. He projected to be more of an outside
linebacker, but he might get his shot on the outside as a third down
specialist.
What happened? Undrafted
How'd it all turn out? Hung around the San Diego Charger practice
squad.
Jon Beason, LB Miami
Originally Projected in January: Late 1st round to early 3rd round
Did it seem like a good move in January? Fast, but a bit undersized, he'll likely
get lost in the shuffle in a decent year for linebackers depending
on all the early entries. An injury-filled year might cost him; he
would've been better served coming back.
What happened? First round, Carolina, 25th pick
How'd it all turn out? If it weren't for Patrick Willis of San
Francisco, Beason would've been the slam-dunk for Defensive Rookie of
the Year.
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB Marshall
Originally Projected in January: 3rd round
Did it seem like a good move in January? While he might have played his way into
first round had he stayed for his senior year, he'll be the definition
of a quality pick some time after the second round. He's a speed back
with great hands as a receiver.
What happened? Seventh round, NY Giants
How'd it all turn out? He stuck with the team and provided a
fresh-legged burst at the end of the year. Someone will want to make him
more of a feature back.
Alan Branch, DT Michigan
Originally Projected in January: 1st round
Did it seem like a good move in January? Good move. The heart-and-soul of the
Michigan defensive front will likely be the first defensive tackle
taken.
What happened? First pick, 2nd round, Arizona
How'd it all turn out? So far, so bust. He only appeared in 11
games and made nine tackles.
Michael Bush, RB Louisville
Originally Projected in January: Late 1st round, early 2nd round
Did it seem like a good move in January? Certainly one of the most intriguing
players in the draft, his broken leg should be 100% by the time he has
to show off what he can do. Considered a top 20 pick before the injury,
he can quickly work his way up the board as one of the most unique
players in the draft.
What happened? First round, 4th round, Oakland
How'd it all turn out? Spent his first year still trying to get
healthy from the broken leg suffered at Louisville.
C.J. Gaddis, DB Clemson
Originally Projected in January: 3rd round
Did it seem like a good move in January? If he a corner or a safety at the next
level? There's not a whole bunch of buzz about him, but he has the
speed that could make him a second round sleeper.
What happened? 5th round, Philadelphia
How'd it all turn out? After originally signing with
Philadelphia, he went to Atlanta and didn't see the field.
Ted Ginn Jr., WR Ohio State
Originally Projected in January: 1st round
Did it seem like a good move in January? What is he? While teams will fall in love
with his speed and versatility, is he really a true number one receiver
worthy of a first round draft pick, or will he just be a dynamic toy for
an offensive coordinator to play with?
What happened? First round, Miami, 9th pick
How'd it all turn out? While decent as a kick returner, he only
caught 34 passes for 420 yards and two touchdowns. Even on a team like
Miami, the ninth pick has to start doing more.
Anthony Gonzalez, WR Ohio State
Originally Projected in January: 3rd to 4th round
Did it seem like a good move in January? His inability to do anything or get any
separation against Florida in the BCS Championship Game once Ted
Ginn got hurt killed his draft stock. He's a number three receiver
who'll find a spot on an NFL roster for the next ten years.
What happened? First round, Indianapolis, 32nd pick
How'd it all turn out? He turned out to be a godsend when Marvin
Harrison went down. He appears to fit perfectly into the Colt system.
Chris Henry, RB Arizona
Originally Projected in January: Late 2nd to early 3rd round
Did it seem like a good move in January? He would've been one of the hot backs
coming into 2007, but he'll use a good end of the year to be one of
the more interesting running back prospects. At best, he'll probably
be around the fifth back taken.
What happened? 2nd round, Tennessee
How'd it all turn out? The star of the NFL combines later was,
shock of shocks, nailed for steroids. He was suspended for four games
and ended up running for two touchdowns in a reserve role.
Chris Houston, CB Arkansas
Originally Projected in January: 2nd round
Did it seem like a good move in January? A fantastic athlete with great cover
skills, he has decent size to go along with his speed. He could be a
first rounder with a little luck.
What happened? 2nd round, Atlanta
How'd it all turn out? It should work out. He still needs polish
as a coverman, but he wasn't bad overall making 58 tackles.
Brandon Jackson, RB Nebraska
Originally Projected in January: Late first day, early second day
Did it seem like a good move in January? Huh? He has the versatility to be a
functional third down back, but he's not exactly the type of back teams
are going to fall over themselves to take in the first 50 picks. He
could've used another year.
What happened? 2nd round, Green Bay
How'd it all turn out? While he still might turn out to be a
major factor, he was quickly pushed aside for Ryan Grant. He'll have to
find a role.
Dwayne Jarrett, WR USC
Originally Projected in January: Top 20
Did it seem like a good move in January? He'll have to prove right off the bat with
a positive attitude and good work ethic that he's not Mike Williams.
Put it to rest; he's not Mike Williams. His measurables likely won't
be off the charts, but his size and hands will make him a possible steal
around 20-25.
What happened? 2nd round, Carolina
How'd it all turn out? Total and complete bust potential.
Carolina head coach John Fox even went as far as to say Jarrett
should've stayed in school after struggling to figure out what he was
doing catching just six passes for 73 yards.
Calvin Johnson, WR Georgia Tech
Originally Projected in January: Top five
Did it seem like a good move in January? He's not going to go number one
overall, but he's a lock to be taken in the top five and possibly
number two. He's generally considered to be the safest top prospect
in the draft.
What happened? First round, Detroit, 2nd pick
How'd it all turn out? He didn't revolutionize the wide receiver
position, but he had a strong first season catching 48 passes for 756
yards and four touchdowns. However, as the number two overall pick, he
needs to double those numbers even with Roy Williams Detroit's No. 1
target.
Charles Johnson, DE Georgia
Originally Projected in January: 1st round
Did it seem like a good move in January? While he wasn't consistent this year, he's
a big, talented pass rusher, he'll probably be the fourth or fifth
end taken and will likely go around 20-25.
What happened? 3rd round, Carolina
How'd it all turn out? He never found a role in his first year
making just two tackles.
Rory Johnson, LB Ole Miss
Originally Projected in January: Second day
Did it seem like a good move in January? The JUCO transfer
only played one year at Ole Miss and was overshadowed by Patrick Willis,
but he made plenty of tackles and showed enough to be a decent prospect
... maybe.
Had he come back for his senior year, he would've grown into a star.
What happened? Undrafted
How'd it all turn out? Hung out on the New York Giant practice
squad.
Marshawn Lynch, RB California
Originally Projected in January: 1st round
Did it seem like a good move in January? Think DeAngelo Williams. Lynch will
be lights out in workouts and start to get in the top ten on several
mock drafts, but come late April, he'll likely fall to the
mid-to-late first round.
What happened? First round, Buffalo, 12th pick
How'd it all turn out? While overshadowed by Adrian
Peterson, Lynch appears to be a back to build around rushing for 1,115
yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games.
Robert Meachem, WR
Tennessee
Originally Projected in January: Late 1st round to early 2nd
Did it seem like a good move in January? The wild-card among the receivers, Meachem
could quickly move up into top 15 territory if he blows everyone
away in workouts. The other receiver prospects are talented, but few
have jaw-dropping measurables. Watch Meachem to yo-yo up and down
the mock drafts over the next few months.
What happened? First round, New Orleans, 27th pick
How'd it all turn out? Injuries were a little bit of a problem,
but being unable to beat the jam off the line was the bigger issue. He
couldn't beat the jam off the line and never dressed. Still part of the
team's plans, 2008 will be make-or-break needing to grow into a producer
or be labeled a total bust.
Zach Miller, TE Arizona State
Originally Projected in January: 1st round
Did it seem like a good move in January? Compared to Todd Heap, he might be
the first tight end taken and could rise up to the top 15 with a
lights-out workout.
What happened? 2nd round, Oakland
How'd it all turn out? It might take another year, but
Miller has the potential to be a big-time target for JaMarcus Russell
after catching 44 passes for 444 yards and three touchdowns.
Jarvis Moss, DE Florida
Originally Projected in January: 2nd round
Did it seem like a good move in January? It depends on how he comes across in the
workouts and interviews. Moss might be one of the big calls
in the draft. A strong pass rusher who has top 15 talent, some teams
will fall in love with him, some will have him around 50.
What happened? First round, Denver, 17th pick
How'd it all turn out? While he has good potential and had a few
moments when he was on the field, he was injured and missed ten games.
Reggie Nelson, S Florida
Originally Projected in January: 1st round
Did it seem like a good move in January? He was ready for the next level
last year. He's a big hitter with great coverage skills, and now he
might be a top 15 pick with a little bit of luck. He could play
corner if needed.
What happened? First round, Jacksonville, 21st pick
How'd it all turn out? A big-time keeper. Nelson just
scratched the surface making 63 tackles with five picks.
Greg Olsen, TE Miami
Originally Projected in January: Late 1st round, early 2nd round
Did it seem like a good move in January? A potentially special talent, he has good
hands and enough skills to be an exciting late first round pick.
He's a good athlete who did the most he could with the shaky Miami
quarterback play. He probably could've used another year to prove he
can be more of a playmaker.
What happened? First round, Chicago, 31st pick
How'd it all turn out? He looked good .... when the offense
remembered to get him the ball. Dinged up early and forgotten about as
the season went on, the Bears still don't quite know what they have
because they didn't include him in the gameplan.
Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma
Originally Projected in January: Top ten
Did it seem like a good move in January? He should've been in the NFL two years ago.
With his blend of size, speed, power, drive and work ethic, he's a dream
back who could be a player an offense builds the franchise around. The
only issue is his upright running style and his injury problems over the
last two years.
What happened? First round, Minnesota, 7th pick
How'd it all turn out? All that's standing between Peterson and
Canton is his healthy. He was shut down late in the year and babied
early, but he still ran for 1,341 yards and 12 scores.
Antonio Pittman, RB Ohio State
Originally Projected in January: 3rd round
Did it seem like a good move in January? Running backs are a dime-a-dozen in the
NFL. Does Pittman do anything special enough to warrant an early round
pick? He has a nice blend of talents who could turn into a good starter
in the right system.
What happened? 4th round, New Orleans
How'd it all turn out? After starting out at New Orleans he ended
up at St. Louis where he ran for 139 yards in a backup role. However, he
didn't see much work considering Steven Jackson was banged up.
Darrelle Revis, CB Pitt
Originally Projected in January: 1st round
Did it seem like a good move in January? With the size, cover skills and tackling
ability, he might be the first corner taken but could end up falling
to the end of the first round.
What happened? First round, NY Jets, 14th pick
How'd it all turn out? A fantastic first season on a bad team,
Revis made 87 tackles with three interceptions.
Sidney Rice, WR South Carolina
Originally Projected in January: Mid-to-late first round
Did it seem like a good move in January? He could've used another year, but he's
going to be a near-certain first rounder. He's not in the Calvin
Johnson territory, but he'll likely battle Dwayne Jarrett to be the
number two receiver taken.
What happened? 2nd round, Minnesota
How'd it all turn out? Shaky quarterback play aside, Rice still
had a decent year with 31 catches for 396 yards and four touchdowns.
Gary Russell, RB Minnesota
Originally Projected in January: Second day
Did it seem like a good move in January? The success of Marion Barber and Laurence
Maroney should help Russell, but his inability to find the classroom
at Minnesota, making him ineligible for last year, means he might
have a hard time finding first day draft spot.
What happened? Undrafted
How'd it all turn out? He was fat, slow and bad at the NFL
combines, but he hooked on with the right team, Pittsburgh, and got a
little work as a backup.
JaMarcus Russell, QB LSU
Originally Projected in January: Top five pick
Did it seem like a good move in January? The hot player after the bowl season,
Russell went from being on the fence about returning for his senior
year to possibly being the number one overall pick.
What happened? First round, Oakland, 1st pick
How'd it all turn out? After signing late and basically whizzing
away any shot at doing much his first year, he showed off a little bit
of the howitzer over the last few games. He'll need at least one more
year.
Brandon Siler, LB Florida
Originally Projected in January: Late first day
Did it seem like a good move in January? With the right workouts, he could move
up in a hurry. His excellent all-around skills and speed
could make him a steal on the second day.
What happened? 7th round, San Diego
How'd it all turn out? He should've returned for his senior
season, but he got a little bit of work as a reserve for the Chargers
and appears to be a part of the team's future.
Ryan Smith, CB Florida
Originally Projected in January: First day
Did it seem like a good move in January? A good coverman with excellent speed, his
big issue will be size at just 165 pounds. He could be a high riser
over the next few months with a few good workouts.
What happened? 6th round, Tennessee
How'd it all turn out? He never saw the field for the Titans.
Luke Smith-Anderson, TE Idaho
Originally Projected in January: Second day
Did it seem like a good move in January? A former walk-on, he's not fast, but he has
great hands and is an excellent route runner. He might be lucky to
be drafted unless he shows something special in workouts.
What happened? Undrafted
How'd it all turn out? He never saw the field for the Houston
Texans.
Ramonce Taylor, RB Texas
Originally Projected in January: Second day
Did it seem like a good move in January? The off-the-field issues in the past,
Taylor has to find a spot somewhere early on as a special teamer and
hope to show something special when he gets his chance in camp.
What happened? Undrafted
How'd it all turn out? Not in the league.
Lawrence Timmons, LB Florida State
Originally Projected in January: Mid-to-late first round
Did it seem like a good move in January? He might end up being the first linebacker
taken. He's tall, big, and very fast for his size. It doesn't hurt
that Florida State linebackers have, for the most part, been
fantastic at the next level.
What happened? First round, Pittsburgh, 15th pick
How'd it all turn out? While he wasn't used much, the coaching
staff is grooming him to become a major factor in the middle. It needs
to happen next year, but he needs the playing time.
Darius Walker, RB Notre Dame
Originally Projected in January: Late first day
Did it seem like a good move in January? A curious move, he would've been the
featured player in the Irish offense this year. He's not huge and he
hasn't shown anything special, but he could find a niche somewhere
as a third down back. If he can show he might be a productive kick
returner, his stock will rise.
What happened? Undrafted
How'd it all turn out? He carved out a niche for himself with the
Houston Texans, especially late in the year, running for 264 yards and a
score as a change-of-pace behind Ron Dayne.
Danny Ware, RB Georgia
Originally Projected in January: Late first day, early second day
Did it seem like a good move in January? Someone's going to have to fall in love
with him. He has the measurables, but he hasn't been able to prove
he can stay healthy and had a hard time finding carries. He might be
a good number two back in the right system.
What happened? Undrafted
How'd it all turn out? Ware never saw the field for the New York
Giants.
Dwayne Wright, RB Fresno State
Originally Projected in January: Late first day, second day
Did it seem like a good move in January? A big, productive runner, he proved his
injuries were in the past with a big season on a bad team. The
former JUCO transfer has nothing left really to show at the
collegiate level, but he has to get some team hot on his potential
as a good number two back.
What happened? 4th round, Buffalo
How'd it all turn out? The backup behind Marshawn Lynch for the
foreseeable future, Wright stepped in and ran or 94 yards in a limited
role.
Eric Wright, CB UNLV
Originally Projected in January: Late 1st round, early second round
Did it seem like a good move in January? A great player on an awful UNLV team,
Wright, a former USC transfer, was ready for the NFL last year.
What happened? 2nd round, Cleveland
How'd it all turn out? Potentially a steal, Wright had a nice
first season making 76 tackles with an interception.