The NFL Draft Live Wire 12/29/06

Despite the rumors that Michael Bush is behind in his rehabilitation from a broken leg this past summer, the standout running back was working out lightly with his strength and conditioning coach while Louisville prepped for the Orange Bowl. As far as his attempt to enter the draft, head coach Bobby Petrino said that they are in contact with the NFL to see where he would go as of now. Bush has until January 15th to declare or he will be back in Louisville as a medical redshirt. In my opinion, Bush will not get a very high grade until he can prove he can plant and shift on his foot while running at 100%. It would be a drastic mistake if he declared for the 2007 NFL Draft.

Courtney Taylor, a prime wide receiver prospect from Auburn, will play in the 2007 Senior Bowl. I wasn't quite sure he made enough noise to inherit such an invitation and can project him as a round 5 or later pick.

Beware of the "Fearsome Foursome." Calvin Johnson, Sidney Rice, Ted Ginn Jr., and Dwayne Jarrett will be making a splash in an NFL city near you. This could be the deepest group of talented wide receivers the NFL Draft has ever seen.

Aside from the "Fearsome Foursome" and Adarius Bowman, another underclassman that is starting to make waves for himself, Robert Meachem from Tennessee is weighing his option for the NFL Draft. Meachem stood out among all wide-outs in 2006 with 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has great character and was raised on a farm as a kid. He works hard but won't blind you with lightning speed. If he does declare, I project him to be a first day prospect.

In a situation that I am following closely, Dan Connor, a junior linebacker from Penn State, was told to stay for his senior season by an NFL executive. Some critics think that Connor had a better season than teammate Paul Posluszny. Dan Connor was also told that if he returns for a senior season, he could land as a top ten pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Stay in school kid.

Also, I have been keeping my eye on Maryland quarterback Sam Hollenbach. He is starting to creep up my draft board. At 6-4, 214 lbs, I have read a ton of good things on this kid but he throws to many picks in gun-slinging fashion. I am currently trying to get some video footage of this kid.

Before I wrap this up, junior Lawrence Timmons from Florida State has declared for the NFL Draft making the total number of underclassmen to declare at 7 for now.