CosmicPal
12-19-2007, 08:17 PM
THE 2008 KC CHIEFS DRAFT
1st Round
Losing to Detroit will almost surely lock them up for a chance at Jake. If not, I could see the Chiefs using one of their other picks to help move up a couple of notches just to score him.
Jake Long, Offensive Tackle, Michigan
Height: 6-7. Weight: 313.
40 Time: 5.00.
Projected Round: Top 5 Pick.
Currently the top prospect at offensive tackle. Realistically, there could be three offensive tackles chosen in the Top 15.
2nd Round
Chevis Jackson, Cornerback, LSU (8/30)
Height: 6-0. Weight: 190.
40 Time: 4.42.
Projected Round: 2.
Granted, he wasn't going against the greatest aerial attack in the world, but Chevis Jackson played great against Mississippi State. Jackson stole the spotlight almost instantly when he broke up one of the first passes of the game.
Jackson has the athleticism NFL scouts, coaches and GMs will drool over. Can return kickoffs and punts.
3rd Round (1st pick)
Donnie Avery, Wide Receiver, Houston
Height: 5-11. Weight: 190.
40 Time: 4.28.
Projected Round: 2-3.
That 40 time is not a joke. Donnie Avery is also more than a return specialist; he caught 57 passes for 852 yards and five touchdowns last year. A product of Houston's system? Perhaps. Avery has to prove himself, but an NFL squad will give the chance because of his 40 time.
3rd Round (2nd pick)
Mike Pollak, Center, Arizona State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 295.
40 Time: 4.92.
Projected Round: 3.
Any lineman who can run under five in the 40 has my attention. Started every game for Arizona State last year. Second team All-Pac 10.
4th round
Owen Schmitt, Fullback, West Virginia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
40 Time: 4.81.
Projected Round: 4.
Carried the ball 13 times for 109 yards in the Gator Bowl against Georgia Tech.
5th round (1st pick)
Robert Felton, Offensive Guard, Arkansas
Height: 6-4. Weight: 316.
40 Time: 5.38.
Projected Round: 5.
If Darren McFadden and Felix Jones both have another great year, Robert Felton's stock may rise again.
5th round (2nd pick)
Alexis Serna, Place kicker, Oregon State
Height: 5-8. Weight: 170.
Projected Round: 5-6.
Nailed 22-of-29 field goals in 2006, making 4-of-6 from beyond 50 yards with a long of 58.
6th round
Nile Legania, Wayne State
Height: 5-10. Weight: 185.
40 Time: 4.24.
Projected Round: 5-6.
One of the fastest player in the draft, Nile Legania will return kicks and punts for his next team.
7th round (1st pick)
Lionell Singleton, Cornerback, Florida International
Height: 5-10. Weight: 174.
40 Time: 4.42.
Projected Round: 6.
One of the players suspended in the Miami-Florida International melee. Picked off five passes in 2006 despite missing that game. A two-year starter, Lionell Singleton runs a nice 40, and can return kicks and punts.
7th round (2nd pick)
Tim Silver, Offensive Tackle, Richmond
Height: 6-6. Weight: 320.
40 Time: 5.15.
Projected Round: 7.
Tim Silver is a two-year starter, who runs well for his size. Level of competition is an issue.
7th round (3rd pick)
Red Keith, Inside Linebacker, Central Michigan
Height: 5-11. Weight: 240.
40 Time: 4.76.
Projected Round: 7.
Red Keith, a member of the 2006 All-MAC First Team, has registered at least 100 tackles the past two seasons. May slip because he doesn't have the workout numbers, but I think he could be a bit of a sleeper.
FREE AGENT DRAFT CONSIDERATIONS 2008:
Marcus Watts, SS, Kansas State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 189.
40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round: FA.
Started just five games in 2006, thanks to a hand injury. Still managed to accumulate three picks and two sacks.
Tierre Green, SS, Nebraska
Height: 6-1. Weight: 200.
40 Time: 4.56.
Projected Round: FA.
Has the versatility and speed to play cornerback as well.
Shaheer McBride, Wide Receiver, Delaware State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 190.
40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round: FA.
If Shaheer McBride drops his 40 to 4.45, he will get drafted. Compiled a total of 1,572 yards and 17 touchdowns the past two seasons.
Alex Brink, Quarterback, Washington State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 215.
40 Time: 4.67.
Projected Round: FA.
Rebounded from a horrible opening game at Auburn to have a solid season; threw for 2,899 yards, 19 TDs and 10 INTs. In 2005, he compiled 2,891 yards, 24 TDs and 13 picks.
Matt Hahn, Fullback, Penn State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 236.
40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round: FA.
The full-time starter at fullback for Penn State this year, Matt Hahn caught 10 passes in 2006.
Gary Guyton, Outside Linebacker, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-2. Weight: 240.
40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round: FA.
Started 12 of 14 games in 2006, recording two sacks.
Nigel Morris, Cornerback, Toledo
Height: 6-0. Weight: 181.
40 Time: 4.44.
Projected Round: FA.
Picked off two passes in 2006.
NFL 2008 FREE AGENT PROSPECTS TO CONSIDER TARGETING DURING THE OFFSEASON:
Rex Grossman, UFA, Quarterback, Chicago Bears
There seems to be debate over Grossman on a regular basis. Many fail to believe that he will ever lead any team to a title, while others argue that he’s still relatively young and has shown flashes of greatness. Regardless of the side you take, there’s something intriguing when it comes to the Florida alum. It may have to do with his QB rating of over 100 in seven games of the season with 148 in week two, and a rating at or below 36.8 five weeks of the season, including a rating of zero in the final game of the ‘06 season. The Bears seem confident in Grossman’s development, and there are certainly teams that would take a chance on a player who took the snaps from center for an NFC Championship team. Given Grossman’s age and the team’s current status, it’s a good bet that he’ll be in Chicago this time next year, assuming he doesn’t implode in ’07.
Bernard Berrian, UFA, Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears
Berrian was able to put together a decent season in ’06. His 51 receptions and six touchdowns aren’t overly impressive, but they do suggest that he is an improving talent and may be a strong number two option or a decent number one option down the road. His size isn’t ideal, but his speed and athleticism has countered that enough to allow him to be a solid contributor. At just 26 years of age, Berrian will garner interest from teams looking to capitalize on his growth at the position.
Bryant Johnson, UFA, Wide Receiver, Arizona Cardinals
Johnson could fly under the radar this season, but those in the know consider him quite talented. He’s overshadowed by star receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, but Johnson runs great routes, has good hands, and at 6’3” his size makes him an appealing option. He’s caught at least 35 passes in each of his four seasons, including 49 receptions in 2004, and has a touchdown scored in each season, with four coming in ’06. Johnson will likely find a bigger role in another offense in ’08.
Max Starks, UFA, Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers
Starks is young and massive, and another Pittsburgh player that may leave the Steel City. He’s 25 and is listed at 6’7” while weighing 337 pounds. His size and age will make him a desired player on many team’s list. A top tier tackle will always garner interest and Starks may lead the free agent class at the spot because of the high level of play he has shown on the field.
Floyd Womack, UFA, Offensive Guard, Seattle Seahawks
A big, experienced guard, Womack could get a decent offer from any team missing out on a top tier target like Faneca. If Womack isn’t the outright starter in Seattle this season, look for him to find work elsewhere with an expanded role guaranteed.
Jared Allen, UFA, Defensive End, Kansas City Chiefs
Allen’s sack total dropped in ’06, but he still posted 7.5 and raised his tackle total a good deal. He’ll be back in Kansas City for the upcoming season, but there’s a good chance that he’ll try the market out come next offseason. He’s just 25 years of age, and has shown that he is among the league’s best at his position. He’ll be a high priority for several teams once the signing period opens.
Corey Williams, UFA, Defensive Tackle, Green Bay Packers
A starting defensive tackle for a rejuvenated and strong Green Bay team, Williams has helped the Packers become one of the better defensive units around. Williams was injured in the team’s latest game, but he has been able to tally seven sacks—matching his 2006 total—along with 23 total tackles through eleven games while playing significant minutes. He has been very disruptive and will receive strong interest as a free agent this upcoming offseason.
1st Round
Losing to Detroit will almost surely lock them up for a chance at Jake. If not, I could see the Chiefs using one of their other picks to help move up a couple of notches just to score him.
Jake Long, Offensive Tackle, Michigan
Height: 6-7. Weight: 313.
40 Time: 5.00.
Projected Round: Top 5 Pick.
Currently the top prospect at offensive tackle. Realistically, there could be three offensive tackles chosen in the Top 15.
2nd Round
Chevis Jackson, Cornerback, LSU (8/30)
Height: 6-0. Weight: 190.
40 Time: 4.42.
Projected Round: 2.
Granted, he wasn't going against the greatest aerial attack in the world, but Chevis Jackson played great against Mississippi State. Jackson stole the spotlight almost instantly when he broke up one of the first passes of the game.
Jackson has the athleticism NFL scouts, coaches and GMs will drool over. Can return kickoffs and punts.
3rd Round (1st pick)
Donnie Avery, Wide Receiver, Houston
Height: 5-11. Weight: 190.
40 Time: 4.28.
Projected Round: 2-3.
That 40 time is not a joke. Donnie Avery is also more than a return specialist; he caught 57 passes for 852 yards and five touchdowns last year. A product of Houston's system? Perhaps. Avery has to prove himself, but an NFL squad will give the chance because of his 40 time.
3rd Round (2nd pick)
Mike Pollak, Center, Arizona State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 295.
40 Time: 4.92.
Projected Round: 3.
Any lineman who can run under five in the 40 has my attention. Started every game for Arizona State last year. Second team All-Pac 10.
4th round
Owen Schmitt, Fullback, West Virginia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 250.
40 Time: 4.81.
Projected Round: 4.
Carried the ball 13 times for 109 yards in the Gator Bowl against Georgia Tech.
5th round (1st pick)
Robert Felton, Offensive Guard, Arkansas
Height: 6-4. Weight: 316.
40 Time: 5.38.
Projected Round: 5.
If Darren McFadden and Felix Jones both have another great year, Robert Felton's stock may rise again.
5th round (2nd pick)
Alexis Serna, Place kicker, Oregon State
Height: 5-8. Weight: 170.
Projected Round: 5-6.
Nailed 22-of-29 field goals in 2006, making 4-of-6 from beyond 50 yards with a long of 58.
6th round
Nile Legania, Wayne State
Height: 5-10. Weight: 185.
40 Time: 4.24.
Projected Round: 5-6.
One of the fastest player in the draft, Nile Legania will return kicks and punts for his next team.
7th round (1st pick)
Lionell Singleton, Cornerback, Florida International
Height: 5-10. Weight: 174.
40 Time: 4.42.
Projected Round: 6.
One of the players suspended in the Miami-Florida International melee. Picked off five passes in 2006 despite missing that game. A two-year starter, Lionell Singleton runs a nice 40, and can return kicks and punts.
7th round (2nd pick)
Tim Silver, Offensive Tackle, Richmond
Height: 6-6. Weight: 320.
40 Time: 5.15.
Projected Round: 7.
Tim Silver is a two-year starter, who runs well for his size. Level of competition is an issue.
7th round (3rd pick)
Red Keith, Inside Linebacker, Central Michigan
Height: 5-11. Weight: 240.
40 Time: 4.76.
Projected Round: 7.
Red Keith, a member of the 2006 All-MAC First Team, has registered at least 100 tackles the past two seasons. May slip because he doesn't have the workout numbers, but I think he could be a bit of a sleeper.
FREE AGENT DRAFT CONSIDERATIONS 2008:
Marcus Watts, SS, Kansas State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 189.
40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round: FA.
Started just five games in 2006, thanks to a hand injury. Still managed to accumulate three picks and two sacks.
Tierre Green, SS, Nebraska
Height: 6-1. Weight: 200.
40 Time: 4.56.
Projected Round: FA.
Has the versatility and speed to play cornerback as well.
Shaheer McBride, Wide Receiver, Delaware State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 190.
40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round: FA.
If Shaheer McBride drops his 40 to 4.45, he will get drafted. Compiled a total of 1,572 yards and 17 touchdowns the past two seasons.
Alex Brink, Quarterback, Washington State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 215.
40 Time: 4.67.
Projected Round: FA.
Rebounded from a horrible opening game at Auburn to have a solid season; threw for 2,899 yards, 19 TDs and 10 INTs. In 2005, he compiled 2,891 yards, 24 TDs and 13 picks.
Matt Hahn, Fullback, Penn State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 236.
40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round: FA.
The full-time starter at fullback for Penn State this year, Matt Hahn caught 10 passes in 2006.
Gary Guyton, Outside Linebacker, Georgia Tech
Height: 6-2. Weight: 240.
40 Time: 4.63.
Projected Round: FA.
Started 12 of 14 games in 2006, recording two sacks.
Nigel Morris, Cornerback, Toledo
Height: 6-0. Weight: 181.
40 Time: 4.44.
Projected Round: FA.
Picked off two passes in 2006.
NFL 2008 FREE AGENT PROSPECTS TO CONSIDER TARGETING DURING THE OFFSEASON:
Rex Grossman, UFA, Quarterback, Chicago Bears
There seems to be debate over Grossman on a regular basis. Many fail to believe that he will ever lead any team to a title, while others argue that he’s still relatively young and has shown flashes of greatness. Regardless of the side you take, there’s something intriguing when it comes to the Florida alum. It may have to do with his QB rating of over 100 in seven games of the season with 148 in week two, and a rating at or below 36.8 five weeks of the season, including a rating of zero in the final game of the ‘06 season. The Bears seem confident in Grossman’s development, and there are certainly teams that would take a chance on a player who took the snaps from center for an NFC Championship team. Given Grossman’s age and the team’s current status, it’s a good bet that he’ll be in Chicago this time next year, assuming he doesn’t implode in ’07.
Bernard Berrian, UFA, Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears
Berrian was able to put together a decent season in ’06. His 51 receptions and six touchdowns aren’t overly impressive, but they do suggest that he is an improving talent and may be a strong number two option or a decent number one option down the road. His size isn’t ideal, but his speed and athleticism has countered that enough to allow him to be a solid contributor. At just 26 years of age, Berrian will garner interest from teams looking to capitalize on his growth at the position.
Bryant Johnson, UFA, Wide Receiver, Arizona Cardinals
Johnson could fly under the radar this season, but those in the know consider him quite talented. He’s overshadowed by star receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, but Johnson runs great routes, has good hands, and at 6’3” his size makes him an appealing option. He’s caught at least 35 passes in each of his four seasons, including 49 receptions in 2004, and has a touchdown scored in each season, with four coming in ’06. Johnson will likely find a bigger role in another offense in ’08.
Max Starks, UFA, Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers
Starks is young and massive, and another Pittsburgh player that may leave the Steel City. He’s 25 and is listed at 6’7” while weighing 337 pounds. His size and age will make him a desired player on many team’s list. A top tier tackle will always garner interest and Starks may lead the free agent class at the spot because of the high level of play he has shown on the field.
Floyd Womack, UFA, Offensive Guard, Seattle Seahawks
A big, experienced guard, Womack could get a decent offer from any team missing out on a top tier target like Faneca. If Womack isn’t the outright starter in Seattle this season, look for him to find work elsewhere with an expanded role guaranteed.
Jared Allen, UFA, Defensive End, Kansas City Chiefs
Allen’s sack total dropped in ’06, but he still posted 7.5 and raised his tackle total a good deal. He’ll be back in Kansas City for the upcoming season, but there’s a good chance that he’ll try the market out come next offseason. He’s just 25 years of age, and has shown that he is among the league’s best at his position. He’ll be a high priority for several teams once the signing period opens.
Corey Williams, UFA, Defensive Tackle, Green Bay Packers
A starting defensive tackle for a rejuvenated and strong Green Bay team, Williams has helped the Packers become one of the better defensive units around. Williams was injured in the team’s latest game, but he has been able to tally seven sacks—matching his 2006 total—along with 23 total tackles through eleven games while playing significant minutes. He has been very disruptive and will receive strong interest as a free agent this upcoming offseason.