Since the combine and pro days...

[rockymtnchief]

Who has dropped down, in your mind, and who has risen?

This is a post I had on another site before the combine. Keep in mind, these guys were rated 2nd to 7th rounders on most sites when I posted it. (Cushing was rated as a 1st or 2nd at the time)

I wouldn't touch Boone with a ten foot pole now. I'm also not sold on Maybin and his new weight. I never saw him being a top 10 like some have him now, JMO. I liked how Loadholt looked physically, but wasn't overly impressed with his footwork. Pass.

Hakeem Nicks moved up, IMO. I still like Deon Butler too. I think he helped himself during the combine.

It's time for the combine. Yeah, I'll be watching Sanchez, Stafford, and Curry but it's the 2nd thru 7th rounders that have really got my eye this year. I think there's some gems in there after watching tapes the last 6 weeks. Here's who I'll be watching closely to see who rises or falls.

Line backer is a huge weakness for KC. Luckily, this year is deep with talent.
Brian Cushing, USC: He's a high 1st rounder/low 2nd rounder. I wouldn't complain about the pick, but I don't have a man crush on him like some others.
Clint Simtin, Virginia: This is probably my favorite if he's still around in the 2nd. Great pass rusher and good athlete. Would be perfect if KC does switch to the 3-4.
Clay Mathews, USC: I liked what I saw and everyone says he still has an upside. Like his team mate, Sanchez, he may need time to develop.
Aaron Maybin, Penn St: Too small to play DE in the 4-3, but in the 3-4 could be a killer OLB, IMO. Some have him going in the first. Who knows.
Zack Follet, Cal: Fierce kid, but not an every down LB. Had 10.5 sacks last year. 3rd or 4th rounder.
Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh: Reminded me of Maz. Real fierce and gets to the ball carrier. A real run stopper. I didn't get to see him much in coverage, but scouts say that's his weakness.
Gerald McGrath, So. Miss: Another aggressive run stopper. His size (212 lbs) could keep teams from taking him early.

Defensive end...does KC have any? Is there any worth taking this year?
Cody Brown: Would probably play OLB in the 3-4 or be a situational DE in the 4-3. Blocked 3 kicks.
Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond: Tore up Montana in the National Championship game. Kinda short and from a small school could have him being around in the 5th.
Nick Reed, Oregon. Maybe I'm a homer from watching too many Oregon games. 25 sacks in two years...but he's not on anyones internet boards.

Defensive tackle
Ron Brace, Boston College: A perfect fit if KC goes to the 3-4. He's huge, clogs the middle, and can collapse the pocket. 2nd to 4th round depending on what he weighs at the combine.
Terrence Taylor, Michigan: I can't have a Michigan guy NOT on my list. He's a great run stopper. Take him out on passing downs. Should be around in the 4th.

Center...I'll get flamed for this one.
Max Unger, Oregon: Sorry, I like his athleticism better than Alex Mack. Plus, he has longer arms.

Right tackle
Phil Loadholt, Okla: He has character issues. I'd love to hear his interviews. If he falls to the 3rd or 4th it might be worth the risk.
Alex Boone, OSU: I had high hopes for him this year. I see he's fallen on many draft boards. Could be a steal on the second day.
Troy Kropog, Tulane: Reminds me of Ryan Clady. Good foot work, hands, agile, and protects the QB.
Fenuki Tupou, Oregon: Yeah yeah...another Duck. Somewhere down the road he'll be a good road grater for someone. Might not work so good with a pass-first team.

Guard
Herman Johnson, LSU: Dude is HUGE at 6'7" 385 lbs. Depends on what kind of offense Haley has planned for KC. Has conditioning issues.
Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin: A real mauler. Plays mean.

Wide reciever
Hakeem Nicks, NC: Knows how to produce. 40 time at the combine could make or break him. He didn't look too slow to me on game day. Not a deep threat, but runs nice routes.
Ramses Barden, Cal Poly: Could be the next Vince Jackson with the right coaching. Will need time, IMO. The 40 could make or break him also.
Mike Wallace, Ole Miss: Might go undrafted. His 40 time could change that. I think he could be a good return man.
Deon Butler, Penn St: My personal favorite on this team. He could drop because of his size. He'll probably be around in the 5th round. Great work ethic.