September 10, 2007
It would appear that four quarterbacks are in the running for first round or early second round picks. What teams, at this early point, would be considering these quarterbacks?
Dave King from Mora, MN
This is one of the best crops of senior quarterbacks I've seen in a while and it's going to be interesting to see where they all end up but there are certainly plenty of teams who need a franchise signal caller so it should work out well.
I think Atlanta and Jacksonville are the two teams that come right to mind but there is a long list of others who might be looking for a quarterback depending on what happens this season, including: Minnesota, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Chicago, Carolina. My guess is we'll see 4-5 quarterbacks taken in the first round this year and at this point I'd say they are Brian Brohm, Andre' Woodson, Colt Brennan, and Chad Henne with Matt Ryan on the cusp and John David Booty as a potential wild card.
- Scott Wright, NFL Draft Countdown
What's your opinion of Quentin Groves? Do you think he is just a 3-4 OLB or does he have some future at DE? How high do you think he can go if he continues what he did in the first game throughout the year and then puts up some of the numbers (sub 4.5 40) that are going around right now?
Dan from Orlando
I am probably a little higher on him than most but I definitely think Groves has Top 15 overall potential and could be an impact pass rusher at the next level. He needs to show me more in terms of consistency but he can dominate a game when his motor is running and there aren't many guys you can say that about. I think his best fit will probably be as a 3-4 outside linebacker but he could definitely be a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL and it will just come down to the scheme of the team that drafts him. Groves is going to have a huge senior season and if he works out as well as some are suggesting he will then the sky may be the limit when it comes to his draft stock next April.
- Scott Wright, NFL Draft Countdown
Where does Clemson running back James Davis fit in amongst the impressive crop of junior running backs and why?
Will Schmidley from Hanover, NH
A great natrual runner with good size, power and vision, I am a huge fan of James Davis and feel he is one of the most underrated players and pro prospects in the country. The junior running back class might be the best I have ever seen which could limit Davis' potential in terms of draft position should he come out early but I think he's definitely a Day One pick if he leaves after this season. Just how high he goes will depend on which other underclassmen come out (McFadden, Stewart, Slaton, etc.) but I think Davis is better prospect than any of the seniors. With C.J. Spiller in the mix I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Davis bolt following this season and he could end up being a steal for someone in round two or three.
- Scott Wright, NFL Draft Countdown
I recently read The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis and was really intrigued by the story of Michael Oher. All the recruiters and college coaches that saw him in high school seemed to think he was a can't-miss first round pick at left tackle. I was just wondering if that is still the consensus and what you thought of him as a prospect going into his junior year.
Andy from Las Vegas
I actually have that book on my shelf but just haven't gotten around to reading it yet. Looking forward to it though because I've heard good things.
As for Oher, he is definitely emerging as a top pro prospect and is probably battling Ryan Clady of Boise St. to see who the top left tackle in the junior class is. I'm not sure it would be in his best interests to come out early for the 2008 NFL Draft since there are already two top seniors available in Jake Long and Sam Baker but he has the potential to eventually be a Top 10 pick in 2009 thanks to his great combination of size and athleticism.
- Scott Wright, NFL Draft Countdown
My question is about Danny Woodhead, the Chadron State RB. He was last year's division 2 Player of the Year and in his opener this year had 290 yards. By next month he's going to be the NCAA's all-time leading rusher. My question is what are your thoughts on him? Surely putting up those kinds of numbers warrants a draft pick even though he put them up against D2 defenses.
Deacon Heffernan from Niagara Falls Canada.
You can't say enough about the amazing numbers Woodhead has put up, regardless of the level of competition, but as I always say when it comes to the NFL Draft you might be able to get away with being slow or small but you aren't going with get away with both very often. Woodhead checks in at 5-9 and 200 lbs. and runs in the 4.5 range and while those measurables could be worse they could definitely be a lot better as well. Woodhead will get some looks due to that outstanding production and will likely get a shot in someone's camp but he is only a late rounder at best and he will have to prove his worth as a 3rd down / situational guy and return man at the next level.
- Scott Wright, NFL Draft Countdown
Given the fact he'll be 25-years-old by the 2008 NFL Draft, do you think it would be wise for UCLA starting QB Ben Olson to declare for the NFL Draft with even a moderately successful season? Olson has prototypical size for an NFL quarterback and seems to have the accuracy and arm strength to at least be a backup in the NFL. I personally think if he has any dreams of playing in the NFL he'll have to do it after this year.
Kevin D. from San Diego, CA
I like Ben Olson as a pro prospect and physically he has everything you look for but I think he will be better off staying in school and waiting for the 2009 NFL Draft. Granted his age is an issue but it's going to be a factor regardless of whether he comes out in '08 or '09 and based the strength of the quarterback position this year he would have a lot of competition and may be no better than a mid-round pick. However, if he waits another year he could be competing with Hunter Cantwell of Louisville to be the #1 signal caller available.
- Scott Wright, NFL Draft Countdown
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