Direckshun
05-15-2008, 07:04 PM
In case you never read Mocking the Draft (http://www.mockingthedraft.com/), I highly recommend it as a source of Draft information, past present and future.
That said, the site's author wrote a piece for New Era Scouting previewing the Big 12:
http://www.newerascouting.com/top_stories/586-2008-conference-preview-big-12/
2008 conference preview: Big 12
by Matt Miller
Oklahoma has been on top of the Big 12 Conference for what seems like a decade. Their reign at the top has been challenged by Texas, but only legitimately in 2005. The Sooners dominance of the South and the Big 12 in general has been one of the better stories in college football.
The 2008 season should be no different for people in the Midwest. While Missouri and Kansas put on a good show last year, the Big 12 will continue to belong to the guys in maroon and white.
Expect a tough battle again this season in the North, as Missouri and Kansas bring back their offensive weapons at quarterback and wide receiver. Nebraska will again be changing to a different offense under new head man Bo Pelini, a coach who looks to restore the pride to the Blackshirts. Kansas State has the talent at quarterback to make a run, but they are a team struggling to find an identity on defense. Iowa State has improved, but should again be near the bottom of the rankings. One surprising team to watch for is the Colorado Buffaloes. Coach Dan Hawkins and son Cody have turned heads this spring. With more talent coming in each season, the Buffs could make noise in the North.
The battle for the South will be a two-man fight, with arch-rival Texas again putting pressure on the Sooners. There is too much talent in Norman to ignore, though. The Longhorns will feature a stocked roster full of talented sophomores and juniors, but the team may be one year away from making a run at Oklahoma. Texas A&M and Texas Tech will fight for third place, as usual. The Oklahoma State Cowboys are guaranteed fifth place with Baylor again finishing last.
Conference Power Rankings
1. Oklahoma
2. Texas
3. Missouri
4. Kansas
5. Texas A&M
6. Texas Tech
7. Colorado
8. Nebraska
9. Kansas State
10. Oklahoma State
11. Iowa State
12. Baylor
First Team All-Conference
QB- Sam Bradford, RS-Soph, Oklahoma
RB- Marlon Lucky, Sr, Nebraska
RB- DeMarco Murray, So, Oklahoma
WR- Jeremy Maclin, So, Missouri
WR- Michael Crabtree, So, Texas Tech
TE- Chase Coffman, Sr, Missouri
OT- Phil Loadholt, Sr, Oklahoma
OT- Lydon Murtha, Sr, Nebraska
G- Duke Robinson, Sr, Oklahoma
G- Cedric Dockery, Sr, Texas
C- Shawn Byrnes, Sr, Texas Tech
DE- Austin English, Jr, Oklahoma
DE- Ian Campbell, Sr, Kansas State
DT- George Hypolite, Sr, Colorado
DT- DeMarcus Granger, Jr, Oklahoma
LB- Sean Weatherspoon, Jr, Missouri
LB- Sergio Kindle, Jr, Texas
LB- Ryan Reynolds, Jr, Oklahoma
LB- Joe Mortensen, Sr, Kansas
CB- Justin Thorton, Jr, Kansas
CB- Jacob Lacey, Sr, Oklahoma State
S- William Moore, Sr, Missouri
S- Nic Harris, Sr, Oklahoma
K- Jeff Wolfert, Sr, Missouri
P- Justin Brantly, Sr, Texas A&M
KR- Deon Murphy, Sr, Kansas State
Second Team All-Conference
QB- Chase Daniel, Sr, Missouri
RB- Jake Sharp, Jr, Kansas
RB- Mike Goodsen, Sr, Texas A&M
WR- Juaquin Iglesias, Sr, Oklahoma
WR- Dexton Fields, Sr, Kansas
TE- Brandon Pettigrew, Sr, Oklahoma State
OT- Brandon Braxton, Sr, Oklahoma
OT- Jason Smith, Sr, Baylor
G- Chris Hall, Jr, Texas
G- Matt Slauson, Sr, Nebraska
C- Brandon Walker, Sr, Oklahoma
DE- Brian Orakpo, Sr, Texas
DE- Stryker Sulak, Sr, Missouri
DT- Jason Lamb, Jr, Baylor
DT- Lamarr Houston, Jr, Texas
LB- Mike Rivera, Sr, Kansas
LB- Joe Pawelek, Jr, Baylor
LB- Rashad Bobino, Sr, Texas
CB- Ryan Palmer, Sr, Texas
CB- Dominique Franks, So, Oklahoma
S- Jordan Lake, Jr, Baylor
S- Dwain Crawford, Sr, Baylor
K- Brooks Rossman, Sr, Kansas State
P- Matt Fodge, Sr, Oklahoma State
KR- Perrish Cox, Sr, Oklahoma State
Conference honors
Offensive Player of the Year: Chase Daniel, QB, Missouri
Defensive Player of the Year: Ryan Reynolds, LB, Oklahoma
Freshman of the Year: Darrell Scott, RB, Colorado
Top 10 Senior NFL Draft Prospects
1. Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
A monster of a man at offensive guard. Robinson could have been the first guard taken in the 2008 NFL Draft had he declared. He’s one of the most polished interior linemen in the past decade.
2. William Moore, FS, Missouri
Moore is a hard-hitting safety who can also drop into coverage and makes plays. He is the complete package playing centerfield, with speed and strength to stop an offense. Moore could be a top-10 pick in the 2009 Draft.
3. Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
People who are 6-foot-7 and 350 pound are not supposed to be quick, agile and as coordinated as this. Loadholt is an elite-level tackle prospect with tons of room to grow as a player, if not a person. In only one season of Division I football he is a legit All American.
4. Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
In the new age of spread offenses, Coffman is the ideal tight end. He is big enough to be a competent blocker, but fast enough to line up at wide receiver. He has the hands, route running ability and strength to be a first round pick.
5. Marlon Lucky, RB, Nebraska
Lucky is another in a long line of great Nebraska running backs. Playing in a pro style offense under former head coach Bill Callahan, Lucky proved his worth by showing his ability as a runner, blocker and receiver. Lucky compares to 2008 first round pick Jonathan Stewart.
6. Nic Harris, FS, Oklahoma
With his three fellow starters now in the NFL, Harris will have to shoulder the load in 2008. He has the talent to do this, and more. Harris routinely makes the spectacular play in coverage, and is tenacious against the run.
7. Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
On a defense loaded with former prep stars, Orakpo stands out most on the field. His non-stop motor and aggressive style of play make him a coach’s favorite. He backs this up with a natural athleticism and strength that are getting him noticed by NFL scouts and decision makers.
8. Ian Campbell, DE, Kansas State
Campbell is the definition of versatility. He has played defensive end and outside linebacker for the ‘Cats. His ability to rush the passer and drop in to coverage will make him a lot of money on Sundays, as soon as he is done punishing Big 12 quarterbacks.
9. Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma
When big plays were made in 2007, Igelsias was usually on one side of them. His ability to get behind a defense and make plays is tops in the country. His route running is polished, combined with dangerous speed every time he touches the ball.
10. Cedric Dockery, OG, Texas
The tradition on the offensive line at the University of Texas is renowned throughout college football. Dockery is the next in line for post-season awards and prominence, following in the footsteps of his brother Derrick, a starting guard for the Buffalo Bills.
Top 5 Third-Year NFL Draft Prospects
1. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma (RS-So)
In his first season as a starter, Bradford shattered the NCAA freshman passing records. He has lost a lot of talent around him, but the Sooners always reload on offense. With the best offensive line in the Big 12, if not the nation, Bradford will have plenty of time to find his playmakers.
2. Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech (RS-So)
Crabtree cannot be denied as one of the most electric and exciting players in college football. His ability to score every time he touches the ball is mind-blowing, as is his open field speed.
3. Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
The Missouri defense didn’t receive attention nationally, but Weatherspoon will this season. He’s a phenomenal athlete and plays with intelligence and aggression. He’ll be a name heard over and over again on Saturday’s this fall.
4. Ryan Reynolds, LB, Oklahoma
It’s hard to watch an Oklahoma game without seeing Reynolds destroying the opposing team. He is among the hardest hitting linebackers in college football. Coupled with his break-neck closing speed and love for the game, Reynolds will be a Pro Bowler in the NFL.
5. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
Efficient, smart and poised. McCoy struggled as a sophomore behind a young offensive line, but should rebound to his record-setting form in 2008 with a new emphasis on running the ball and an improved offensive line.
Conference Games of the Year
1. Texas vs. Oklahoma, Oct. 11
2. Missouri vs. Kansas, Nov. 29
3. Kansas at Oklahoma, Oct. 18
4. Missouri at Texas, Oct. 18
5. Texas A&M at Texas, Nov. 27
Non-Conference Games of the Year
1. Illinois at Missouri, Aug. 30
2. Arkansas at Texas, Sept. 13
3. Oklahoma at Washington, Sept. 13
4. Miami (FL) at Texas A&M, Sept. 20
5. Virginia Tech at Nebraska, Sept. 27
Unit Rankings
Backfield
1. Oklahoma
2. Missouri
3. Texas A&M
Receivers
1. Missouri
2. Texas
3. Texas Tech
Offensive Line
1. Oklahoma
2. Texas
3. Texas Tech
Overall Offense
1. Missouri
2. Oklahoma
3. Texas Tech
Defensive Line
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Missouri
Linebackers
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Kansas
Defensive Backs
1. Missouri
2. Texas
3. Baylor
Overall Defense
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Missouri
Special Teams
1. Missouri
2. Texas Tech
3. Nebraska
That said, the site's author wrote a piece for New Era Scouting previewing the Big 12:
http://www.newerascouting.com/top_stories/586-2008-conference-preview-big-12/
2008 conference preview: Big 12
by Matt Miller
Oklahoma has been on top of the Big 12 Conference for what seems like a decade. Their reign at the top has been challenged by Texas, but only legitimately in 2005. The Sooners dominance of the South and the Big 12 in general has been one of the better stories in college football.
The 2008 season should be no different for people in the Midwest. While Missouri and Kansas put on a good show last year, the Big 12 will continue to belong to the guys in maroon and white.
Expect a tough battle again this season in the North, as Missouri and Kansas bring back their offensive weapons at quarterback and wide receiver. Nebraska will again be changing to a different offense under new head man Bo Pelini, a coach who looks to restore the pride to the Blackshirts. Kansas State has the talent at quarterback to make a run, but they are a team struggling to find an identity on defense. Iowa State has improved, but should again be near the bottom of the rankings. One surprising team to watch for is the Colorado Buffaloes. Coach Dan Hawkins and son Cody have turned heads this spring. With more talent coming in each season, the Buffs could make noise in the North.
The battle for the South will be a two-man fight, with arch-rival Texas again putting pressure on the Sooners. There is too much talent in Norman to ignore, though. The Longhorns will feature a stocked roster full of talented sophomores and juniors, but the team may be one year away from making a run at Oklahoma. Texas A&M and Texas Tech will fight for third place, as usual. The Oklahoma State Cowboys are guaranteed fifth place with Baylor again finishing last.
Conference Power Rankings
1. Oklahoma
2. Texas
3. Missouri
4. Kansas
5. Texas A&M
6. Texas Tech
7. Colorado
8. Nebraska
9. Kansas State
10. Oklahoma State
11. Iowa State
12. Baylor
First Team All-Conference
QB- Sam Bradford, RS-Soph, Oklahoma
RB- Marlon Lucky, Sr, Nebraska
RB- DeMarco Murray, So, Oklahoma
WR- Jeremy Maclin, So, Missouri
WR- Michael Crabtree, So, Texas Tech
TE- Chase Coffman, Sr, Missouri
OT- Phil Loadholt, Sr, Oklahoma
OT- Lydon Murtha, Sr, Nebraska
G- Duke Robinson, Sr, Oklahoma
G- Cedric Dockery, Sr, Texas
C- Shawn Byrnes, Sr, Texas Tech
DE- Austin English, Jr, Oklahoma
DE- Ian Campbell, Sr, Kansas State
DT- George Hypolite, Sr, Colorado
DT- DeMarcus Granger, Jr, Oklahoma
LB- Sean Weatherspoon, Jr, Missouri
LB- Sergio Kindle, Jr, Texas
LB- Ryan Reynolds, Jr, Oklahoma
LB- Joe Mortensen, Sr, Kansas
CB- Justin Thorton, Jr, Kansas
CB- Jacob Lacey, Sr, Oklahoma State
S- William Moore, Sr, Missouri
S- Nic Harris, Sr, Oklahoma
K- Jeff Wolfert, Sr, Missouri
P- Justin Brantly, Sr, Texas A&M
KR- Deon Murphy, Sr, Kansas State
Second Team All-Conference
QB- Chase Daniel, Sr, Missouri
RB- Jake Sharp, Jr, Kansas
RB- Mike Goodsen, Sr, Texas A&M
WR- Juaquin Iglesias, Sr, Oklahoma
WR- Dexton Fields, Sr, Kansas
TE- Brandon Pettigrew, Sr, Oklahoma State
OT- Brandon Braxton, Sr, Oklahoma
OT- Jason Smith, Sr, Baylor
G- Chris Hall, Jr, Texas
G- Matt Slauson, Sr, Nebraska
C- Brandon Walker, Sr, Oklahoma
DE- Brian Orakpo, Sr, Texas
DE- Stryker Sulak, Sr, Missouri
DT- Jason Lamb, Jr, Baylor
DT- Lamarr Houston, Jr, Texas
LB- Mike Rivera, Sr, Kansas
LB- Joe Pawelek, Jr, Baylor
LB- Rashad Bobino, Sr, Texas
CB- Ryan Palmer, Sr, Texas
CB- Dominique Franks, So, Oklahoma
S- Jordan Lake, Jr, Baylor
S- Dwain Crawford, Sr, Baylor
K- Brooks Rossman, Sr, Kansas State
P- Matt Fodge, Sr, Oklahoma State
KR- Perrish Cox, Sr, Oklahoma State
Conference honors
Offensive Player of the Year: Chase Daniel, QB, Missouri
Defensive Player of the Year: Ryan Reynolds, LB, Oklahoma
Freshman of the Year: Darrell Scott, RB, Colorado
Top 10 Senior NFL Draft Prospects
1. Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
A monster of a man at offensive guard. Robinson could have been the first guard taken in the 2008 NFL Draft had he declared. He’s one of the most polished interior linemen in the past decade.
2. William Moore, FS, Missouri
Moore is a hard-hitting safety who can also drop into coverage and makes plays. He is the complete package playing centerfield, with speed and strength to stop an offense. Moore could be a top-10 pick in the 2009 Draft.
3. Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
People who are 6-foot-7 and 350 pound are not supposed to be quick, agile and as coordinated as this. Loadholt is an elite-level tackle prospect with tons of room to grow as a player, if not a person. In only one season of Division I football he is a legit All American.
4. Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
In the new age of spread offenses, Coffman is the ideal tight end. He is big enough to be a competent blocker, but fast enough to line up at wide receiver. He has the hands, route running ability and strength to be a first round pick.
5. Marlon Lucky, RB, Nebraska
Lucky is another in a long line of great Nebraska running backs. Playing in a pro style offense under former head coach Bill Callahan, Lucky proved his worth by showing his ability as a runner, blocker and receiver. Lucky compares to 2008 first round pick Jonathan Stewart.
6. Nic Harris, FS, Oklahoma
With his three fellow starters now in the NFL, Harris will have to shoulder the load in 2008. He has the talent to do this, and more. Harris routinely makes the spectacular play in coverage, and is tenacious against the run.
7. Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
On a defense loaded with former prep stars, Orakpo stands out most on the field. His non-stop motor and aggressive style of play make him a coach’s favorite. He backs this up with a natural athleticism and strength that are getting him noticed by NFL scouts and decision makers.
8. Ian Campbell, DE, Kansas State
Campbell is the definition of versatility. He has played defensive end and outside linebacker for the ‘Cats. His ability to rush the passer and drop in to coverage will make him a lot of money on Sundays, as soon as he is done punishing Big 12 quarterbacks.
9. Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma
When big plays were made in 2007, Igelsias was usually on one side of them. His ability to get behind a defense and make plays is tops in the country. His route running is polished, combined with dangerous speed every time he touches the ball.
10. Cedric Dockery, OG, Texas
The tradition on the offensive line at the University of Texas is renowned throughout college football. Dockery is the next in line for post-season awards and prominence, following in the footsteps of his brother Derrick, a starting guard for the Buffalo Bills.
Top 5 Third-Year NFL Draft Prospects
1. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma (RS-So)
In his first season as a starter, Bradford shattered the NCAA freshman passing records. He has lost a lot of talent around him, but the Sooners always reload on offense. With the best offensive line in the Big 12, if not the nation, Bradford will have plenty of time to find his playmakers.
2. Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech (RS-So)
Crabtree cannot be denied as one of the most electric and exciting players in college football. His ability to score every time he touches the ball is mind-blowing, as is his open field speed.
3. Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri
The Missouri defense didn’t receive attention nationally, but Weatherspoon will this season. He’s a phenomenal athlete and plays with intelligence and aggression. He’ll be a name heard over and over again on Saturday’s this fall.
4. Ryan Reynolds, LB, Oklahoma
It’s hard to watch an Oklahoma game without seeing Reynolds destroying the opposing team. He is among the hardest hitting linebackers in college football. Coupled with his break-neck closing speed and love for the game, Reynolds will be a Pro Bowler in the NFL.
5. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
Efficient, smart and poised. McCoy struggled as a sophomore behind a young offensive line, but should rebound to his record-setting form in 2008 with a new emphasis on running the ball and an improved offensive line.
Conference Games of the Year
1. Texas vs. Oklahoma, Oct. 11
2. Missouri vs. Kansas, Nov. 29
3. Kansas at Oklahoma, Oct. 18
4. Missouri at Texas, Oct. 18
5. Texas A&M at Texas, Nov. 27
Non-Conference Games of the Year
1. Illinois at Missouri, Aug. 30
2. Arkansas at Texas, Sept. 13
3. Oklahoma at Washington, Sept. 13
4. Miami (FL) at Texas A&M, Sept. 20
5. Virginia Tech at Nebraska, Sept. 27
Unit Rankings
Backfield
1. Oklahoma
2. Missouri
3. Texas A&M
Receivers
1. Missouri
2. Texas
3. Texas Tech
Offensive Line
1. Oklahoma
2. Texas
3. Texas Tech
Overall Offense
1. Missouri
2. Oklahoma
3. Texas Tech
Defensive Line
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Missouri
Linebackers
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Kansas
Defensive Backs
1. Missouri
2. Texas
3. Baylor
Overall Defense
1. Texas
2. Oklahoma
3. Missouri
Special Teams
1. Missouri
2. Texas Tech
3. Nebraska