Get Wired with the Stock Watch

The buzz surrounding the Senior Bowl may seem minuscule to most people but little do they know that this where players make or break their draft status. Last year was a strong reminder of this with Derek Hagan. As a wide receiver, he was highly touted and some early projections had him as a late first round-second round selection. He entered the Senior Bowl practices with rocks for hands. He couldn't catch a ball and his draft stock slid to the second day but the Miami Dolphins saw his upside in a weak wide receiver class and he was eventually drafted in just the third round.

With almost three months until draft day, let's take a look at some of the players that are improving their draft stock or devaluing their draft stock.

Rising

QB Troy Smith, Ohio State (6-0, 222) Troy Smith is proving to be the best quarterback in the Senior Bowl. For four days now, he has looked like the best quarterback. He has a nice spiral with tight passes and is reluctant to scramble when things break down. Instead, he is known to check down his targets and dump the ball, but still isn't afraid to get some extra yardage with his legs. The common fan thinks Smith isn't worthy of spit after his BCS National Championship performance but you can't write him off just yet. He is playing with a chip on his shoulder and won't fall out of the 2nd round as of now. People have a knack to knock him for his height, but Drew Brees is only 6 feet tall. Smith's mechanices aren't as bad as previously though and by all accounts, he is drawing Drew Brees comparisons.

QB Drew Stanton, Michigan State (6-2, 226) With a lack of pure talent at the quarterback position this year, Stanton is pushing to be the fourth quarterback off of the board. Right now, he is projected to be a mid round selection but with his performance at the Senior Bowl practices this week, he is inching towards an early third round projection. He is showing good arm strength, tremendous accuracy with a tight spiral, and is placing a nice touch on the ball. He has also shown to be a nice leader in the two minute drill. Scouts have compared Drew Stanton to Chris Simms but with better upside. In my analysis, the better upside aspect of that comparison comes from Simms recent bouts with injuries and mediocre play on Sunday's when healthy. Of course, we have no NFL-play from Stanton to compare to Simms yet, but this will be a nice comparison to look at in 2 or 3 years from a hindsight perspective.

RB Thomas Clayton, Kansas State (5-10, 219) Thomas Clayton joined the Senior Bowl due to injuries but he was still projected to be a 6th or 7th round selection. Since coming to Mobile, he has stolen the show among running backs. He is showing to be a great change of direction back with a nice burst. He is very solid and hard to bring down. After one cut, he seems to be gone. This shifty running back, who replaced Northern Illinois speedster Garrett Wolfe, is proving that he should not have been overlooked in the first place. As I type this, Clayton is looking at a fourth round projection and could leap into the third round if he keeps impressing scouts. He is fast for his size and the combine in Indianapolis could force him to leap-frog Auburn's Kenny Irons. A current comparison from my perspective is Joseph Addai.

WR Brandon Myles, West Virginia (6-0, 183) Despite being on the slender side, Myles is looking like the best wide-out in this game. He has had some great catches, showed precision when running his routes, and looks like the ultimate hard-working athlete coaches look for. He quickly learned the spread offense's playbook in Morgantown and shouldn't have a problem picking up an NFL playbook and learning it within a week. He was a projected 6th round selection but is now working his way into the third or fourth rounds. Amongst this deep group of receivers, Myles may be a diamond in the rough and a nice "Anquan Boldin-type" selection for a franchise.

DE Adam Carriker, Nebraska (6-5, 292) Carriker is not known to be a pass rusher but is showing some strength in that department this week. He has been quick off the snap and uses his feet well. Carriker keeps his arms up when battling on the edge and should be effective on the next level in batting passes down. Carriker is quickly rising into a first round prospect, although some reports have him there already. This defensive end group is deep this year and Carriker is arguably the third best end behind Jamaal Anderson and Gaines Adams.

S/CB Brandon Meriweather, Miami (Fl) (5-10, 192) Meriweather is the defensive standout on the South squad this week. Entering the college football season, he was a sure-fire top 15 selection but a bad year for the Hurricanes mixed in with the on-the-field brawl in which Meriweather participated, he has slipped to the second round. Well, he may be pushing his stock back into the first round as the best safety behind LaRon Landry. The only thing is that he may not get drafted to play safety. He has seen action as a cornerback this week and has dominated, grabbing at least one interception so far. His timed speed will be enough to consider him as a multi-faceted threat worthy of a first round selection. His character issues will need resolved but a winning team in the first round may not pass on him due to his pure talent.

Free-Falling

RB Kenny Irons, Auburn (5-10, 198) Irons needs to show something good this week to improve his stock. Right now he is projected to go in either the 2nd or 3rd round but could slip into the second day. He is stronger than he looks though but his blocking techniques need fine-tuned and he has dropped almost every single pass thrown his way this week. It seems to me that Irons has good change of direction skills. I was high on him entering the season but have fallen back on his prospects. He reminds me of Jerome Harrison. If Irons can land on the right team, and get coached up, he could be a formidable running back on the next level in a 2-back system. I am not sold on him though. He isn't helping his stock either. My sources say he is nothing more than a 3rd round selection right now.

RB Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois (5-7, 183) Wolfe was hit with the injury bug this week and will not play in the Senior Bowl. Prior to his injury, he was struggling with his carries and looked really weak. Most see Wolfe as a return man on the next level but all I see is an afterthought. When I see Wolfe run, I think of Quentin Griffin without the drive and the opportunity. Wolfe is a projected late round selection that may go undrafted in April.

TE Clark Harris, Rutgers (6-5, 257) Clark Harris arrived in Mobile and was looked upon as a top-heavy player that looked slower than expected. Clark Harris ended up getting injured and was replaced by Ben Patrick from Delaware. Scott Wright said that he would be surprised if Clark Harris could run better than a 4.8 forty in Indianapolis. Harris' blocking was always questioned at Rutgers. Harris has built a name for himself through the Scarlet Knights' strong showing in 2006 and will get drafted in rounds 6 or 7. He just doesn't bring enough to the table from an NFL perspective.

DE Quentin Moses, Georgia (6-4, 249) Moses came to Alabama looking fit to be an end in a 3-4 defense. His value was already taking a hit before the Senior Bowl but the best I can say about Moses this week is that he has been unimpressive. He does have long arms and is pretty fluid with his feet but his push off of the edge isn't wowing anybody right now. Moses' stock is falling and it is making way for Adam Carriker's push into the first round. Right now Moses looks like a second round selection, unless he turns things around in a hurry.

CB Leon Hall, Michigan (5-11, 193) Leon Hall is projected to be a top 10 selection by most people, but they must not be paying attention. Hall has been burnt by Anthony Gonzalez from Ohio State and was wiped off the map by Dwayne Jarrett in the Rose Bowl. Leon Hall is also struggling dearly in Mobile. A Cleveland Browns' scout called Hall "just another guy" and average wide-out Paul Williams "juked Hall out of his jock strap." Leon Hall is now a late first round projection in my book, and if he gets embarrassed on game day in Mobile, he may slide into the second round.

CB Aaron Ross, Texas (6-0, 192) Ross keeps getting beaten by Dwayne Bowe in Mobile. If Ross can't hold his ground with Bowe, how can he be expected to hold his weight against Steve Smith, Reggie Wayne, or Chad Johnson? He is strong in zone coverage but looks like a nickelback on the next level. Ross is currently projected to be a late first round-early second round selection. With the emergence of Brandon Meriweather at corner, plus Daymeion Hughes, Josh Wilson, and the declaration from underclassman Chris Houston, Ross could fall into the late second round. Now that is a free fall, especially when you consider that Ross won the 2006 Jim Thorpe Award.

Conclusion

Stay tuned to ffLiveWire.com as I will update this list after the Senior Bowl game.

Latest Mock...

Round 1

1. Oakland - QB JaMarcus Russell, Louisiana State (6-6, 260) Obviously, the Raiders need a lot of help on the offensive side of the ball but when a rebuilding team needs to rebuild again, they will start with a quarterback. Owner Al Davis is big on the advancement of minorities in sports. Russell has raw potential that hasn't been tapped yet. Russell will play a nice role in the downfield passing attack, as well as providing nice touch on the leather when needed. He is the physical monster that Oakland usually pursues.
2. Detroit - OT Joe Thomas, Wisconsin (6-8, 313) Let the heated debates begin. No, the quarterback talk in Detroit is not a smokescreen. Jon Kitna will be the man in 2007, and if he slips up, the developing Dan Orlovsky will fill in for him. Thomas is the safest pick here for the resiliently bad Matt Millen. It is time for an overhaul in Detroit and Thomas will help lead the way. He is also being considered a better prospect than D'Brickashaw Ferguson from last year.
3. Tampa Bay (pending coin flip with CLE) - WR Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech (6-5, 235) The Buccaneers need help on the defensive side of the ball. Calvin Johnson stands out here though and he will give Chris Simms or Bruce Gradkowski an immediate threat anywhere on the field. Johnson has all of the physical tools to be an on-the-field prototype of Terrell Owens. His character is a polar opposite of Owens' as well. Get used to punching his name in on the Pro Bowl ballot.
4. Cleveland (pending coin flip with TB) - DT Alan Branch, Michigan (6-6, 331) Many homers will be pulling for a Brady Quinn selection but the clock is ticking on the Romeo Crennel regime. They have no time to waste in starting over with a rookie quarterback. Charlie Frye is an adequate project when healthy and the offensive line should be recovered from injuries next year. Branch fills in a mandatory hole at nose tackle. Ted Washington is sweating dirt after a series and there is no depth behind him.
5. Arizona - DE Jamaal Anderson, Arkansas (6-6, 280) The more I see of Anderson, the more I like. He was the best defensive end in college football this year and has leaped Gaines Adams. You might think Mario Williams was worthy last year, but Williams' senior season is nothing compared to Anderson's junior campaign. Anderson racked up 13.5 sacks this year as well.
6. Washington - DE Gaines Adams, Clemson (6-5, 260) Adams is an outstanding athlete who can get pressure off of the ball in a way that no other Redskin end could in 2006. He is almost as disruptive as Jamaal Anderson but could develop into a perennial nightmare on the field. Philip Daniels is looking like he won't be anything more than a journeyman in the NFL also. Adams is an immediate upgrade over Daniels.
7. Minnesota - S LaRon Landry, Louisiana State (6-2, 202) Darren Sharper is still a good safety but he is ten years deep into the league. He will also be a free agent after 2007. While the Vikings need a defensive end, they could trade down into the �teens to acquire Charles Johnson, but that is a reach. They also need a wide receiver but as I came to find out, Brad Childress was a leading factor in keeping the Eagles away from first round wide-outs, even though they dismissed the notion when they snatched Fred Mitchell. Landry provides insurance and adds quality depth before it is missed. He is a ballhawk that will challenge Sharper for his starting gig.
8. Houston - RB Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma (6-2, 218) Peterson probably shouldn't fall this far but it is likely he will. This Texas native turned Sooner will provide an extra dimension in the backfield. If Domanick Williams (the former Davis) can return to health, this duo could turn into a 1-2 punch that most will regret facing. Peterson will need to prove he can be a pass catcher and he needs to improve his blocking.
9. Miami - QB Brady Quinn, Notre Dame (6-4, 227) New head coach Cam Cameron is great in developing quarterbacks. From Antwaan Randle-El in college to Gus Frerotte in his Pro Bowl season (1997), Cameron knows his passers. He has a big decision to make concerning Daunte Culpepper but when Brady Quinn falls into his lap, that decision on Culpepper will be a lot easier.
10. Atlanta - WR Dwayne Jarrett, Southern Cal (6-5, 210) The Falcons history with wide receivers in the first round isn't very good and the selection of Jarrett would be their 3^rd wide-out in four first rounds. In order for Bobby Petrino's offense to run effectively, he will need an impact wide receiver that can hold on to the ball. Jarrett might have a problem selling his routes but his major concern should be with who is at quarterback.
11. San Francisco - CB Leon Hall, Michigan (5-11, 194) Like I said before, Walt Harris is a solid cornerback but Shawntae Spencer is overrated. Hall will fill a void in the defensive backfield. He is quick off the ball and uses his eyes effectively. He is quick enough to hang with anyone but will need safety support at times.
12. Buffalo - RB Marshawn Lynch, California (5-11, 217) Willis McGahee has worn out his welcome in Buffalo and is expected to be moved before the 2007 season kicks off. He is also entering the last year of his contract. The Bills offense is catching up to most of the better teams in the league and Lynch will provide them with the running attack McGahee once provided. First Travis Henry, now McGahee. What is it with running backs in Buffalo?
13. St. Louis - DT Amobi Okoye, Louisville (6-1, 317) The Rams need help at both linebacker and defensive tackle but drafting Okoye here is a win-win situation. They get a guy that will be the youngest player in the NFL, and he is also a great prospect for the Rams defense, as he is strong enough to help solidify their run defense.
14. Carolina - WR Ted Ginn, Ohio State (6-0, 180) Even though I don't expect to see Keyshawn Johnson departing, Keary Colbert has worked his way out of a job. The Panthers need a lot of help at linebacker but they also need a legitimate threat opposite of Steve Smith. This offense lacked intensity and hopefully Ginn will help rejuvenate this group of athletes.
15. Pittsburgh - OT Levi Brown, Penn State (6-5, 328) With help needed at guard, center, and tackle, the Steelers can't go wrong with the best offensive lineman in this draft. Although it seems appropriate for Pittsburgh to draft out of their backyard, but their largest weakness is with the protection of Ben Roethlisberger.
16. Green Bay - CB Darrelle Revis, Pittsburgh (6-0, 200) The Packers lack a legitimate shut down corner opposite of Al Harris. Charles Woodson has had a great career but the nursing home motorcade is about to arrive. Considering who he will be facing within the NFC North, Revis could step in and leave 2007 with a great rookie season.
17. Jacksonville - S Reggie Nelson, Florida (6-1, 193) The Jaguars do not expect to see Deon Grant back next year so they must look to add some solid depth. Nelson is a true playmaker in the backfield. He reminds me of a more athletic John Lynch. He will hit hard and take names. The Jaguars would love for an offensive playmaker to land here also.
18. Cincinnati - OLB Lawrence Timmons, Florida State (6-3, 230) The Bengals failed to acquire one sack from their left outside linebackers in 2006. They lack a presence at defensive tackle but with what little they have in Rashad Jeanty, there is no way that Marvin Lewis can pass on Timmons here.
19. Tennessee - WR Sidney Rice, South Carolina (6-4, 202) With Drew Bennett's expired contract and no new deal in the works, the Titans will need to reload at wide receiver despite needing help at defensive end as well. This is a coin flip between Rice and Charles Johnson. Rice plays like Drew Bennett as his speed is questionable but his playmaking ability is better.
20. N.Y. Giants - OLB Paul Posluszny, Penn State (6-2, 238) The Giants have a ton of issues but most importantly, they need help at linebacker. LaVar Arrington's injury may have cost him his career production-wise and Brandon Short has done nothing spectacular lately. Posluszny is a freak and he will prove to anyone that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.
21. Denver - DE Charles Johnson, Georgia (6-2, 270) Charles Johnson hopped over his team mate Quentin Moses when he declared for the draft. Johnson acquired 5 more sacks than Moses in 2006. The Broncos lack a true playmaking pass rusher and Johnson will provide them with stability. Johnson and Elvis Dumervil will give Denver a great set of book-ends and a strong hope for the future.
22. Dallas - OG Justin Blalock, Texas (6-4, 329) With more questions than answers, Jerry Jones doesn't have the luxury of passing on Blalock here. At the end of the day, whether it is a tackle, guard, or center, Blalock may be the best offensive lineman prospect in this draft. He would have been a late first rounder last year and will be one again this year.
23. Kansas City - DT DeMarcus Tyler, North Carolina State (6-2, 305) The Chiefs need a pure defensive tackle that is strong in penetrating betweens the trenches. Tank Tyler is a brutal force inside and will compliment the ends well. A guy like Tyler will even make the linebackers look good. If he can stay in good shape and not get lazy, he could remind some people of what they hoped for in Ryan Sims.
24. New England (via SEA) - ILB Patrick Willis, Ole Miss (6-2, 240) Willis is a top 15-type player that will be pleased to hear his name announced in conjunction with the New England Patriots. The Patriots group in the middle is starting to age and Banta-Cain is slated to be a free agent. Willis is versatile enough to play on the outside in the 3-4 as well, even though he might get outmatched most of the time.
25. N.Y. Jets - CB Marcus McCauley, Fresno State (6-1, 205) When they brought in some new defensive backs, most of them were ageless wonders with little left. Rumors are already circulating of an Eric Mangini-Asante Samuel reunion in the Big Apple. Never count out McCauley though. He is a class act and can make plays from the outside or nickel position.
26. Philadelphia - DE Jarvis Moss, Florida (6-6, 251) Face it, Jerome McDougle is a bust and Jevon Kearse can't stave off injuries. Darren Howard is too inconsistent and Trent Cole is an emerging star. The Eagles need help at linebacker, safety, and defensive end but at this point, they can not pass on Moss, a true athlete that will swim around any tackle in the NFC East.
27. New Orleans - CB Aaron Ross, Texas (6-1, 192) Fred Gibson's post-season performance is a strong reminder to Sean Payton that the Saints need a quality cornerback. Ross is an underrated corner that didn't start until his senior year but he did win the Jim Thorpe Award. Daymeion Hughes slide will create enough value for Ross to push him into the first round.
28. New England - CB Chris Houston, Arkansas (5-11, 188) The Patriots will need to replace Asante Samuel, and who better to replace him with than a fast-rising confident cover corner from Arkansas. Houston will step in immediately and start over Ray Mickens.
29. Baltimore - OLB Jon Beason, Miami, Fl. (6-0, 238) The Ravens will need to find a replacement for Adalius Thomas. Jon Beason isn't as athletic as Thomas but he will fit the mold of the typical Raven linebacker. Beason plays more like Bart Scott and could have an immediate impact next to Ray Lewis.
30. San Diego - WR Robert Meachem, Tennessee (6-3, 210) The Chargers need someone that can not only spread the field but someone who can hold on to the rock. Meachem reminds me of a Keenan McCardell in his prime and will compliment the aging McCardell as soon as he steps onto the field.
31. Indianapolis - OLB Earl Everett, Florida (6-3, 234) The Colts could go with DT Quinn Pitcock here but Pitcock is not very effective in the run defense department. The Colts have some key free agents at linebacker and those guys underachieved so it is likely they could land Earl Everett here. Everett is a hard-nosed athlete with a knack for getting into the backfield.
32. Chicago - TE Zach Miller, Arizona State (6-5, 259) The Bears need help on the offensive line and at tight end but they might not have the opportunity to pass on a guy like Zach Miller. Miller's numbers rivaled Todd Heap's in college and Miller has drawn the knack to prove his is more versatile than Heap was in college. Desmond Clark is average but Miller possesses the ability to make big plays like Jeremy Shockey or Antonio Gates.

Round 2

1. Oakland - OT Tony Ugoh, Arkansas (6-5, 329) This selection helps solidify the worst offensive line in football.
2. Detroit - DE Quentin Moses, Georgia (6-5, 257) Cory Redding will now be a full-time tackle so they need to replace him.
3. Tampa Bay - DT Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State (6-3, 295) The Bucs need a presence up the middle and Pitcock will be their guy.
4. Cleveland - OG Ben Grubbs, Auburn (6-3, 318) The Browns need to upgrade their line despite efforts to do so last year.
5. Arizona - OT Arron Sears, Tennessee (6-4, 320) This is a no-brainer here. Sears is versatile enough to challenge at guard or tackle.
6. N.Y. Jets (via WAS) - RB Tony Hunt, Penn State (6-2, 230) His projected 4.60 forty is killing his value but he will push the 4.50 barrier at the combine. Compliments Washington.
7. Minnesota - WR Dwayne Bowe, Louisiana State (6-3, 217) The Vikings need a true warrior at wide receiver.
8. Houston - S Brandon Meriweather, Miami, Fl. (6-0, 195) He is an immediate upgrade over C.C. Green and Glenn Earl.
9. Miami - OLB/S Michael Okwo, Stanford (6-0, 225) Okwo is rising fast on draft boards and he will replace Spragan or play safety.
10. Atlanta - RB Michael Bush, Louisville (6-3, 247) Petrino will continue to push this offense into a major overhaul.
11. San Francisco - DE/OLB LaMarr Woodley, Michigan (6-2, 274) Woodley will be Manny Lawson's compliment for years to come.
12. Buffalo - OG Marshal Yanda, Iowa (6-4, 305) An upgrade for the offensive line is much needed.
13. St. Louis - OLB Rufus Alexander, Oklahoma (6-1, 230) A linebacker has been needed for the last decade. Maybe Alexander will be that guy that have always pursued.
14. Carolina - ILB Buster Davis, Florida State (5-10, 240) You are looking at a first round value replacing Dan Morgan from the second round.
15. Pittsburgh - CB Daymeion Hughes, California (6-2, 188) Hughes has great hands and covers well enough for the 3-4 blitz package.
16. Green Bay - RB Antonio Pittman, Ohio State (6-1, 220) Pittman will be the next franchise running back for the Cheeseheads.
17. Jacksonville - ILB Brandon Siler, Florida (6-2, 235) Mike Peterson needs a replacement and the Gator will fill in nicely.
18. Cincinnati - TE Greg Olsen, Miami, Fl. (6-5, 252) Olsen will provide another dimension to this passing attack.
19. Tennessee - DE Adam Carriker, Nebraska (6-6, 295) While some have Carriker going to Tennessee in the first, I have him falling in their laps in the second.
20. N.Y. Giants - CB Josh Wilson, Maryland (5-9, 187) The Giants still lack depth at corner and could do better with Wilson than with what they have.
21. Denver - CB Fred Bennett, South Carolina (6-1, 198) Bennett is not fiercely physical but is an upgrade over Domonique Foxworth.
22. Dallas - S Michael Griffin, Texas (6-0, 205) Griffin's value is taking a slide like Dustin Fox's in 2005.
23. Kansas City - QB Troy Smith, Ohio State (6-1, 215) The Chiefs can't be sold on Brodie Croyle and Trent Green is turning into Kurt Warner.
24. Seattle - OT Joe Staley, Central Michigan (6-5, 300) They need to replenish their offensive line with some talent.
25. N.Y. Jets - DE Victor Abiamiri, Notre Dame (6-4, 270) He plays like John Abraham from the edge but it wouldn't hurt to bulk up.
26. Philadelphia - S Aaron Rouse, Virginia Tech (6-4, 221) A true ballhawk that plays defenders well, will compliment Dawkins well.
27. New Orleans - DT Justin Harrell, Tennessee (6-4, 300) He provides a conditioned upgrade over out-of-shape Hollis Thomas.
28. New England - WR Anthony Gonzalez, Ohio State (6-0, 193) Gonzalez is a true compliment to this passing attack that doesn't need a #1.
29. Baltimore - OT Doug Free, Northern Illinois (6-7, 302) Jonathan Ogden will need replaced and Free has the frame to do so.
30. San Diego - ILB H.B. Blades, Pittsburgh (6-0, 240) He will be the heir-apparent to either Donnie Edwards or Randall Godfrey.
31. Tampa Bay (via IND) - DE Ikaika Alama-Francis, Hawaii (6-5, 285) This guy lives in the offensive backfield.
32. Chicago - OLB Stewart Bradley, Nebraska (6-4, 250) Bradley is a monster and will probably improve his stock even more.

NFL Draft Live Wire 1/18/07

Since January 15th, most of the news on the NFL Draft has died down but it will once again pick up as we approach the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl. Both exhibition's will display many pro prospects. In this update, I will focus on the East-West Shrine Game and highlight the pro prospects that you need to watch.

Even though he has received an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl amidst the Brady Quinn controversy, Florida quarterback Chris Leak would like to improve his draft stock even more. The other quarterbacks competing in the Shrine game are Drew Tate (Iowa), Lester Ricard (Tulane), Jeff Rowe (Nevada), Zac Taylor (Nebraska), John Beck (Brigham Young). Leak, Rowe, and Beck are highly touted considering how weak this senior quarterback class is expected to be.

Tyrone Moss (Miami, Fl.) will look to prove the doubters wrong and show why he can be a first day selection. He will lead this group of running backs. The other running backs involved in the Shrine game are Alonzo Coleman (Hampton), Steve Baylark (UMass), Stevie Hicks (Iowa State), Selvin Young (Texas), and Jon Kornish (Kansas). Moss, Young, Hicks, and Kornish are the backs that you will want to keep an eye on in this game.

Steve Breaston (Michigan) has been acclaimed to have some good practices this week for the East squad. He can really move up into the first day of the draft with a good showing in the Shrine Game and at the Combine. Aside from Breaston, the other wide-out's that will show off their skills in this game are Syvelle Newton (South Carolina), David Ball (New Hampshire), Jayson Swain (Tennessee), Dallas Baker (Florida), Paul Williams (Fresno State), Joel Filani (Texas Tech), D'Juan Woods (Oklahoma State), and Jarrett Hicks (Texas Tech). Recent reports from the practices say that Filani is struggling catching the ball. Williams, Baker, Breaston, Swain, and Woods are all expecting to be drafted this April. Controversial wide-out Ryan Moore (Miami, Fl.) dropped out of this game. Prior to his legal and character issues last year, Moore was being projected to be a first rounder. Now he will be lucky to get drafted.

Of the tight end's, the only noteworthy prospect to keep an eye on is Matt Herian from Nebraska. He is a Kyle Brady-like end that is very useful when he is blocking.

The offensive linemen that you might want to watch are Doug Free (Northern Illinois), Brandon Frye (Virginia Tech), Kyle Young (Fresno State), Enoka Lucas (Oregon), and Herb Taylor (Texas Christian). Of this group, Kyle Young, Doug Free and Brandon Frye appear to be first day prospects.

On the defensive line, there are a lot of guys that want to make a name for themselves but only a few that could be first day prospects. Baratka Atkins (Miami, Fl.) leads the pack as he could sneak into the first round by the time April comes around. Joining Atkins on the watch list are Steve Harris (Florida), and Mkristo Bruce (Washington State). Standout Warrior from Hawaii Ikaika Alama-Francis is slated to play in this game but was injured in the Hula Bowl.

The linebackers are thin prospect-wise but Desmond Bishop (California) leads the way. Keep an eye on Justin Durant (Hampton) as he will try to shove his way into a first day selection.

Possible first round selection Marcus McCauley (Fresno State) leads this pack of defensive backs. Joining him on the watch list is Sabby Piscitelli (Oregon State), John Wendling (Wyoming), C.J. Wilson (Baylor), Willis Barringer (Michigan), and Brandon Mitchell (Ohio State).

For complete rosters, click on the following links: East and West.