2009 NFL Draft Early Entries
The Early Entries And Where They're Projected To Go
By
Pete Fiutak
-
The 2008 Early
Entries and what happened to them
-
The 2007 Early
Entries and what happened to them
It's that time of
year again when several superstar college players weigh whether or
not they're ready to make the big leap into the land of the
mercenaries. The top players take off early to save drafts from the
mediocre seniors who chose to stick around, and this year is no
exception.
The
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. With that in mind, here are the early entries with where
they're projected to go.
To Return
Or Not ...
Top players who passed up millions to return for one more
year.
Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma
The Heisman winner avoided the leaving early talk, and then
he dropped the big one and decided to come back for his junior
season.
Colt McCoy, QB Texas
He said he was staying for his senior year and he wasn't
kidding. Texas players almost always stay for their senior
seasons, and now he'll challenge Tim Tebow for the
Heisman.
Brandon Spikes, LB Florida
It's a top-heavy year for linebackers, so Spikes, with top
ten talent, might fall back in the pecking order behind
prospects like Aaron Curry, Rey Maulaluga, Brian Cushing and
James Laurinaitis. He'll return to try to make history with the
Gators.
Taylor Mays, S USC
Considered another Ronnie Lott, but bigger, Mays is an elite
safety who'll be certain to go in the top ten and possibly the
top five ... next year. According to reports, he's coming back
for his senior year.
Jermaine Gresham, TE Okla.
He would've been the first tight end taken, or the second
behind Oklahoma State's Brandon Pettigrew, but he's coming back
along with Bradford and OT Trent Williams.
Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma
Staying. One of the nation's best tackles, and the Big 12
Defensive Player of the Year in some circles, will be the best
defensive player in college football next year.
Russell Okung, OT Okla. State
Overshadowed by the stars at OU, Okung might be the best pro
blocker from the Big 12. In a good year for OTs, he'd be a
first rounder, but he's back |
Asher Allen, CB Georgia
Projected: 2nd round
Good or bad move?
While he's not huge, he'll wow everyone in workouts with his speed and
quickness. This isn't a strong year overall for corners making it a good
move to duck out early. He could be one of the top three corners taken.
Kenny Britt, WR Rutgers
Projected: Late 2nd round to early 3rd
Good or bad move? With a 6-4, 205-pound frame, he has the
size and physical ability to go along with excellent deep speed. He
was unstoppable over the second half of the year with six 100-yard
games in his last eight games to finish with 1,371 yards and seven
touchdowns on 87 grabs. He was also used more as a runner over the
final few games. He has nothing left to prove on the collegiate
level.
Eben Britton, OT Arizona
Projected: First round
Good or bad move? Obviously good move. Arguably the best
tackle in the Pac 10, he was ready to come out last year. While he
won't be the first offensive tackle taken in a good draft for the
position, he'll be seen as an incredible value pick late in the
first round or early in the second.
Donald Brown, RB Connecticut
Projected: 2nd round
Good or bad move? There's only so much pounding a back can
take. The nation's leading rusher said he was on the fence about
whether or not to come back, but a 261-yard day against Buffalo in
the International Bowl, and a 2,083-yard season with 18 touchdowns,
all but made the decision for him. Not huge, he'll have to be a part
of a rotation.
Everette Brown, DE Florida State
Projected: 1st round
Good or bad move? After a strong sophomore season set the
stage, Brown came up with a huge junior campaign with 13.5 sacks, an
ACC-leading 21.5 tackles for loss, and 36 tackles overall. While
he's not huge and he might not be the prototype end, he's a speed
rusher whose motor is always running.
James Casey, TE Rice
Projected: 3rd round
Good or bad move? It might seem like a curious move for the
third year sophomore, but he's already 24 and he has the talent to
stick on a roster. Second in the nation in receptions, catching 111
passes for 1,329 yards and 13 touchdowns, his hands and his
route-running ability aren't a question. The former minor league
pitcher ran the ball a bit and started out as a defensive end before
settling in to his role on offense.
Jeremy
Childs, WR Boise State
Projected: 3rd round
Good or bad move? While he would've been on the short list of
All-Americans, he's ready for the next level as both a return man and a
receiver. On the plus side for Boise State, it's getting the talents
good enough to leave early (like Ryan Clady and Orlando Scandrick last
year)
Glen Coffee, RB Alabama
Projected: 4th round
Good or bad move? He should've stuck around. A decent-sized
back with good quickness and nice production this year with 1,383
yards and 10 touchdowns, he could've benefitted draft-wise from
staying one more year. He benefitted greatly from running behind an
elite offensive line, and he might have to prove himself on special
teams early on.
Austin Collie, WR BYU
Projected: Second day
Good or bad move? Among the nation's leading receivers, he
was big even when the team was struggling, catching 21 passes for
223 yards in the two losses to Utah and Arizona. He went over the
100-yard mark in 11 straight games and finished with 106 catches for
1,538 yards and 15 touchdowns, so the production is there. However,
despite having decent functional speed, he'll have to run well to be
a first day pick. The 24-year-old spent a few years on a Church
mission.
Emmanuel Cook, S South
Carolina
Projected: 4th round
Good or bad move? A terrific tackler, he was an important
piece of the puzzle for one of the nation's best pass defense. While
he can hit, he has had problems staying healthy throughout his
career and he's questionable in coverage. Not necessarily a
ball-hawker, he's a big hitter who should find a job as a third or
fourth safety in a rotation.
Jared
Cook, TE South Carolina
Projected: 2nd to 3rd round
Good or bad move? Don't be shocked if he becomes one of the
high risers over the next few months. He has all the tools with good
size, nice hands and a receiver's route running ability, but he was
underutilized by Steve Spurrier. The biggest problem was erratic
quarterback play, but Cook will pique someone's interest on day one.
Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech
Projected: Top 10 overall
Good or bad move? The two-time Biletnikoff winner came to
Texas Tech as the most talented receiver ever to play in the Mike
Leach era, and he showed why with 231 catches, 3,127 yards, and 41
touchdowns in just 26 games. Great on the move, he's the epitome of
a yard-after-catch receiver who can make things happen when he gets
the ball in a place where he can do something with it. If he's not
the first receiver taken, he'll be No. 2.
Andrew Davie, TE Arkansas
Projected: Late second day
Good or bad move? The receiving stats aren't there as the
second-fiddle behind D.J. Williams, Davie is more of a blocker who
was decent around the goal line. If he gets drafted, it'll be as a
situational player in two-tight end sets.
Nate
Davis, QB Ball State
Projected: 2nd round
Good or bad move? You've got to strike while the iron is hot.
With head coach Brady Hoke off to San Diego State, and the great 2008
season having finished on two crushing bad notes, Davis can't wait
around to see if his stock will rise. Likely the third quarterback
taken, or fourth if Mark Sanchez comes out, he'll be a late first
rounder or an early second round selection.
Vontae Davis, CB Illinois
Projected: 1st round
Good or bad move? Davis could be the call of the draft. He
followed up a great sophomore season with a mediocre junior
campaign. He wasn't bad, but he played like he was hanging around
waiting to go to the next level; he went through the motions at
times. However, the brother of San Francisco 49er tight end, Vernon
Davis, is a good tackler with 4.4 wheels. On measurables alone he
might be a top ten draft pick.
Maurice Evans, DE Penn State
Projected: 2nd round
Good or bad move? After 2007, Evans appeared to be destined
for the top ten. He has the size, the quickness, and the talent to be a
superstar pass rusher at the next level. Off-the-field issues and the
emergence Aaron Maybin relegated Evans to a bit of a secondary role, but
the NFL types know all about what Evans can potentially do.
Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State
Projected: 3rd round
Good or bad move? Freeman started as a true freshman and has
learned on the job over the last three seasons. With good size, nice
mobility, and a better college career than was recognized,
considering the quarterback stars in the Big 12 over the last few
years, he'll be seen as a decent developmental project with a world
of upside. He had to leave with Bill Snyder, who's more of a fan of
running quarterbacks, taking over.
Ricky-Jean
Francois, DT LSU
Projected: 2nd round
Good or bad move? While he's not the space-eating,
heart-and-soul type of anchor that Glenn Dorsey was, Francois is a
nice, quick tackle who has the skills to blossom into a tremendous
NFL starter if he wants it. Considering his talent, and the players
around him, he didn't have the huge year expected.
Shonn Greene, RB Iowa
Projected: 2nd round
Good or bad move? It's his time. The only runner in America
to go over 100 yards in every game, Greene came out of nowhere to
win the Doak Walker. Breakaways speed and quickness aren't issues,
and he can run with a little bit of power, but he's going to be 24
by the start of the NFL season and is considered a bit of a one-year
wonder.
Brian Hartline, WR Ohio State
Projected: 3rd round
Good or bad move? Why stick around? He's not going to get the
ball with Terrelle Pryor throwing it. The passing game all but stopped
once No. 2 took over, and while Hartline made some big plays, he wasn't
used nearly enough. He'll be a nice second receiver in the NFL.
Percy Harvin, WR Flroida
Projected: 1st round
Good or bad move?
Apparently, Harvin didn't get the memo that the Florida stars were
sticking around. He'll likely go in the top 20 picks, and will go higher
if someone doesn't care about his durability issues.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR Maryland
Projected: Late 1st round, early 2nd round
Good or bad move? He might have been the first receiver taken
in last year's draft. With elite wheels and a prototype deep threat
frame, he looks the part. He'll wow everyone at the Combine and will
likely be a late first round pick.
P.J. Hill, RB Wisconsin
Projected: 4th round
Good or bad move? The big man is wearing down. Tremendously
productive as the best big back in Madison since Ron Dayne, Hill has
a nice array of moves and quickness to go along with his power.
Patient, often times too patient, Hill is great at setting up his
blockers. However, he can't stay healthy and had to leave early to
avoid another year of punishment.
Greg Isdaner, OG West Virginia
Projected: 4th round
Good or bad move? A big, physical blocker, he's the type of
anonymous guard who gets taken late in the first day or early on the
second, but finishes up with a 10-yard career as a cog in someone's
system. He's big with quick feet and he can pound away.
Paul Kruger, DE Utah
Projected: 2nd round
Good or bad move? After getting the word that he'd be a
relatively high pick, the star third-year sophomore, who spent a few
years on a Church mission, has the speed to blow past most tackles,
and the frame to get bigger to handle the more physical ones.
Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri
Projected: Top 15 overall
Good or bad move? A poor man's Percy Harvin, every offensive
coordinator in the NFL wants Maclin as a fun weapon to have at the
ready. Despite being hurt with an ankle injury, he still caught 102
passes for 1,260 yards and 13 touchdowns. He'll also be used as a
kick and punt returner at the next level.
Sen'Derrick Marks, DT Auburn
Projected: 1st round
Good or bad move? One of the most versatile linemen in the
draft, he can be a big end in a 4-3 or a nice sized tackle in the
3-4. While he's not a blot-out-the-sun tackle, he's tremendously
quick and could grow into a strong interior pass rusher.
LeSean McCoy, RB Pitt
Projected: 2nd round
Good or bad move?
He's ready. He's been ready since he arrived on campus, anointed as the
next Tony Dorsett or Curtis Martin. He'll be considered a featured back
from day one.
Gerald McRath, LB Southern Miss
Projected: 4th round
Good or bad move? The ultra-productive Golden Eagle has his
degree and has been around the program for five years. He has the
speed and the production, but he's build like a big safety and will
need the right system to be a star.
Aaron Maybin, DE Penn State
Projected: 1st round
Good or bad move? The third year sophomore is a top-shelf pass rusher with top
ten overall ability. However, he's not all that big and needs to
fit a system. Depending on which team likes him, he could go as
high as ten and, with a bad workout, as low as the early second round.
Captain Munnerlyn, CB South Carolina
Projected: 5th round
Good or bad move? The only knock is his size, and that's not
going to change enough to stay for a senior year. He's a willing
hitter with 4.3 speed who'll make someone's defensive coordinator
happy.
D.J. Moore, CB Vanderbilt
Projected: 1st round
Good or bad move? A star kick returner, and a top receiver
when he had his chance, Moore is more than ready to go to the NFL.
He's a good hitter who makes big plays and picks all over the field.
While he's not huge, he plays big for his size with safety-like
hitting ability and top 20 overall pick athleticism.
Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia
Projected: 1st round
Good or bad move? There's a chance Moreno goes in the top ten
if someone falls in love with him. A special back with great
quickness through the hole and a burst to change gears in a
heartbeat, he's a great all-around runner who can work inside or
out. If he was eligible, he would've been gone to the NFL after last
year; he was ready.
Hakeem Nicks, WR North Carolina
Projected: Late 1st round, early 2nd round
Good or bad move? Coming off a stellar Meineke Car Care Bowl
performance in the loss to West Virginia, with 68 catches for 1,222
yards and 12 touchdowns, he showed the hands, the breakaway speed,
and the dominance to be a No. 1 receiver at the next level.
Ultra-productive, with 181 career catches for, 2,840 yards and 21
touchdowns despite not having a quarterback with a pulse to throw to
him, Nicks could blow up if paired with the right passer.
Kevin Ogletree, WR Virginia
Projected: 5th round
Good or bad move? Ogletree came off a devastating knee injury
to make 58 catches for 723 yards and five touchdowns as a steady
target for the Cavaliers. While his decision to leave early was met
with surprise, and reportedly, good riddance from the coaching
staff, he has enough talent to make a roster. However, it might be a
surprise if he goes anywhere near the first four rounds.
Jerraud Powers, CB Auburn
Projected: 4th round
Good or bad move? Size is an issue, but if he shows off
excellent speed and quickness to the scouts, he could sneak into the
first day. A willing hitter who isn't afraid to come up with a big
play like a safety, Powers was growing into a strong SEC
cover-corner when he chose to take off early. With another year, and
with the defensive-minded coaching staff coming in, Powers could've
become a top 60 draft pick had he stuck around.
Mark
Sanchez, QB USC
Projected: 1st round
Good or bad move? What wouldn't have been a great move on
Tuesday was the right move on Wednesday. Sanchez was likely going to be
a second round pick when it appeared Sam Bradford was going to leave
early, and now he could be a top five overall pick with Bradford coming
back for his junior year. He has the tools, but someone will have to be
sold that he can be better than he was at USC, where he was good, but
hardly special.
Andre Smith, OT Alabama
Projected: Top five overall
Good or bad move? The agent issue that cost him the Sugar
Bowl aside, Smith is the best left tackle in the draft and could go
No. 2 overall. The nation's top recruit three years ago, he started
as a freshman and last year he was able to match his experience with
his skills.
Sean
Smith, CB Utah
Projected: 2nd round
Good or bad move? To no one's surprise, the playmaking Ute
corner is making the leap, and he's ready. The measureable are
nearly perfect. He's 6-3, around 220 pounds with 4.5 speed and huge
hitting ability. He projects to be a safety in the NFL, but someone
might see him as a big corner prospect to match up against the
bigger, stronger targets. The former wide receiver will wow them at
the Combine.
Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia
Projected: Top five overall
Good or bad move? In today's day and age of spread
quarterbacks, the true NFL-caliber bomber is a rare commodity.
Stafford could go No. 1 overall to Detroit, but at very worst he'll
end up being taken in the top five. The scouts have been drooling
over Stafford's arm for the last three years, and this season he
showed more mobility when it came to keeping passing plays alive,
and he showed better decision making ability.
Donald
Washington, CB Ohio State
Projected: Second day
Good or bad move? A curious move. He had a decent year, even
with the early season issues that kept him off the field, but he's
hardly an elite prospect in the eyes of the NFL types. With a good
workout he could go in the late third round, but it wouldn't be
surprising if he fell to the fifth.
Chris Wells, RB Ohio State
Projected: 1st round
Good or bad move? The only knock is his health. In the two
big games of this year, he missed the USC debacle with a foot
injures and he was knocked out of the Fiesta Bowl by Texas. With his
blend of power, size and breakaway speed, he could be the first back
taken, and he could end up being taken in the first five picks. If
he's part of a rotation, he'll be devastating.
Brandon Williams, DE Texas Tech
Projected: 3rd round
Good or bad move?
While
he has hardly a top recruit, Williams blossomed into one of the Big 12's
premier pass rushers. Close to graduating, the time is right for him to
try to test the waters. If he goes lights out in the workouts, he could
be a top 50 pick, but he'll more likely be an early second day guy. A
bit rangy at 6-4 and 255 pounds, he has room to bulk up a bit.