People love complaining about the conference structure in college football. Sure, there are some strange combinations, and long roadtrips, but it could be worse. And I'm here to show you how worse(or awesome) it could be. Here is part one of many to come.
Northeast Conference: This was an easy one to put together. Some nice rivalries would be renewed, and it would be loaded with tradition.
Army
Boston College
Buffalo
Connecticut
Maryland
Massachusetts (2012)
Navy
Penn State
Pittsburgh
Syracuse
Temple
West Virginia
ACC Conference: Might as well keep the name. The majority of these teams are already in the same conference now, so it would be a pretty smooth transition.
Clemson
Duke
East Carolina
Georgia
Georgia Tech
North Carolina
North Carolina State
South Carolina
Virginia
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest
Floribama Conference: This would be one hell of an exciting conference. Athletes Galore! The recruiting would be cut-throat, and I mean that literally. There could be coaches shanking other coaches.
Alabama
Alabama-Birmingham
Auburn
Central Florida
Florida
Florida Atlantic
Florida International
Florida State
Miami
South Alabama (2012)
South Florida
Troy
Delta Conference: Another fun recruiting battle would come from this southern conference. Not sure if there would be better action on the field or in the parking lot.
Louisiana-Lafayette
Louisiana-Monroe
LSU
Louisiana Tech
Memphis
Middle Tennessee State
Miss State
Ole Miss
Southern Miss
Tennessee
Vanderbilt
Texarkanas Conference: This might actually be my favorite. Who doesn't want to see all of the Texas teams together? And, starting in 2012 you could fill out an entire Texas conference with the addition of UTSA and Texas State.
Arkansas
Arkansas State
Baylor
Houston
North Texas
SMU
Rice
TCU
Texas
Texas A&M
Texas Tech
UTEP
SouthWestish Conference: A purely geographic find here. This might be the lamest conference. Not much to digest. So...let's just move on.
Air Force
Arizona
Arizona State
BYU
Colorado
Colorado State
New Mexico
New Mexico State
Nevada
UNLV
Utah
Utah State
Left Coast Conference: This one is straight-up Liberal. We take every school on the coast, and mash them together. Should be fun recruiting grounds, with much less hate than the southeast.
California
Fresno
Hawaii
Oregon
Oregon State
San Diego State
San Jose State
Stanford
UCLA
USC
Washington
Washington State
Tornado Ally Conference: I actually think this is a very competitive conference. Lots of chalk, and of course, Boise State could finally prove themselves.
Boise State
Idaho
Iowa
Iowa State
Kansas
Kansas State
Wyoming
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Tulsa
Lake Michigan Conference: Well, these schools will save some coin on travel, but not too strong at all. Michigan, Michigan State or Notre Dame will win every year until the end of time.
Ball State
Central Michigan
Eastern Kentucky
Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Michigan State
Northern Illinois
Northwestern
Notre Dame
Purdue
Western Michigan
Wisconsin
YougotstuckwithMarshall Conference: Well someone had to be stuck with the armpit of college athletics. Cheating would be out of control in this conference.
Akron
Bowling Green
Cincinnati
Kent State
Kentucky
Louisville
Marshall
Miami (OH)
Ohio
Ohio State
Toledo
Western Kentucky
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Hell with Four!
So, a question I get quite often is "Chris, what would be your playoff format in college football?" "Is it a plus-one?" "How about eight teams?" "Should it be 16?" Actually, I disagree with all of these. My ideal format would send 20 teams to the postseason, with every conference being represented.
20 teams? Am I nuts? Not really...at least not on this topic. It's not overkill to have that many teams make the playoffs...actually it represents about 17-percent of the entire division (the 68-team basketball tournament represents about 19-percent, with no true complaints other than a handful of teams complaining they didn't get in), and would have at least one representative from every conference(like in college basketball as well).
Here's how it would work...example being the 2010 season's standings/rankings
11 Automatic Bids-Conference Champs
ACC: Virginia Tech
Big East: Connecticut
Big 10: Wisconsin
Big Twelve: Oklahoma
Pac-10: Oregon
SEC: Auburn
Conference USA: Central Florida
MAC: Miami (OH)
Sun Belt: FIU (They beat Troy)
Mountain West: TCU
WAC: Nevada
9 At-Large Bids: Stanford, Ohio State, Arkansas, Michigan State, Boise State, LSU, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Alabama
There would be four brackets with three teams ranked 1, 2, and 3. There would also be one play-in game in each bracket, with the winner taking on the 1-seed. For example, the play-in game would be FIU v Missouri for a chance to play Oregon.
The play-in games would give us 16 teams, leaving four weeks of exciting entertainment. So, you are looking at a total of five weeks of playoff action. If it were this season Dec. 11th would have been the opening weekend, with Jan 11th being the championship. The NCAA could also cut the season down to eleven games, and even eliminate one of the bye weeks to make the schedule even shorter. The bottom line is that kids will be done before the spring semester begins. Though time shouldn't matter. Hell, college hockey players roll from October to April.
Like in college basketball, the games would be played on neutral fields, and could have names like the Rose or Fiesta. Plus, the teams that don't make the playoffs can still play in the Mickey Mouse Bowls.
Simple in theory, but would college presidents ever get on board? Doubtful. The money continues to roll in from the BCS structure, with no end in sight...especially with ESPN's connection.
The BCS does give college football an extremely competive regular season, but a playoff system wouldn't change that...in fact, it would only heighten it. And, who the hell doesn't want to fill out more brackets?
20 teams? Am I nuts? Not really...at least not on this topic. It's not overkill to have that many teams make the playoffs...actually it represents about 17-percent of the entire division (the 68-team basketball tournament represents about 19-percent, with no true complaints other than a handful of teams complaining they didn't get in), and would have at least one representative from every conference(like in college basketball as well).
Here's how it would work...example being the 2010 season's standings/rankings
11 Automatic Bids-Conference Champs
ACC: Virginia Tech
Big East: Connecticut
Big 10: Wisconsin
Big Twelve: Oklahoma
Pac-10: Oregon
SEC: Auburn
Conference USA: Central Florida
MAC: Miami (OH)
Sun Belt: FIU (They beat Troy)
Mountain West: TCU
WAC: Nevada
9 At-Large Bids: Stanford, Ohio State, Arkansas, Michigan State, Boise State, LSU, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Alabama
There would be four brackets with three teams ranked 1, 2, and 3. There would also be one play-in game in each bracket, with the winner taking on the 1-seed. For example, the play-in game would be FIU v Missouri for a chance to play Oregon.
The play-in games would give us 16 teams, leaving four weeks of exciting entertainment. So, you are looking at a total of five weeks of playoff action. If it were this season Dec. 11th would have been the opening weekend, with Jan 11th being the championship. The NCAA could also cut the season down to eleven games, and even eliminate one of the bye weeks to make the schedule even shorter. The bottom line is that kids will be done before the spring semester begins. Though time shouldn't matter. Hell, college hockey players roll from October to April.
Like in college basketball, the games would be played on neutral fields, and could have names like the Rose or Fiesta. Plus, the teams that don't make the playoffs can still play in the Mickey Mouse Bowls.
Simple in theory, but would college presidents ever get on board? Doubtful. The money continues to roll in from the BCS structure, with no end in sight...especially with ESPN's connection.
The BCS does give college football an extremely competive regular season, but a playoff system wouldn't change that...in fact, it would only heighten it. And, who the hell doesn't want to fill out more brackets?
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Big East Biletnikoff Watch List
ESPN's Big East Blog released the names of the conference's candidates for the Biletnikoff Award. The award is given annually to the nations best receiver. Let's take a look at the candidates.
Tavon Austin (West Virginia): The converted RB has taken quite a liking to his new position. Austin blew up in 2010 with 58 receptions and eight touchdowns. He is Geno Smith's favorite returning target, mostly lining up in the slot, but also shows plenty of poise from the outside. Look for Austin's numbers to even get better this season with Dana Holgorsen's passer-friendly system. It could be an epic year for Tavon.
2010 Stats: 58 Rec, 787 Yards, 8 TDs
Chance of Winning on a Scale of 1-10: 7.2
Van Chew (Syracuse): Obviously has the best name of anyone on the watch list. He "chewed" up yardage last year(see what I did there?), going for over 600 yards on 41 receptions. He also found the endzone five times, in what turned out to be a prolific 2010 year. Chew's numbers should improve with QB, Ryan Nassib steadily maturing. He doesn't get enough credit for his range, but stats don't lie. He averaged over 16 yards per catch.
2010 Stats: 41 Rec, 611 Yards, 5 Tds
Chance of Winning on a Scale of 1-10: 5.8
Mike Shanahan (Pitt): Ladies and Gentlemen, meet your new Pitt star receiver. Shanahan put up very respectable numbers in 2010. He benefited from Jon Baldwin being double-teamed, and now is the big man in Oakland. Look for Shanahan to be targeted much more in 2011, especially in the redzone, a place he only reached once last season. The stars are aligned for this kid to take over, but will his QB let him down?
2010 Stats: 43 Rec, 589 Yards, 1 TD
Chance of Winning on a Scale of 1-10: 6.5
D.J. Woods (Cincinnati): Woods benefited from key injuries in 2010 and ended up having a superb season. He went over 100 yards receiving three times, and finished with 10 total touchdowns. He did put the ball on the ground numerous times, but the talent is certainly there. Look for a 1,000-plus yard season for the speedy wideout in 2011, especially with his QB improving in Butch Jones' system.
2010 Stats: 57 Rec, 898 Yards, 10 Total TDs
Chance of Winning on a Scale of 1-10: 6.8
Michael Smith (UConn): Academically Ineligible for the 2011 season. Not sure why he is on the list.
2010 Stats: 46 Rec, 615 Yards, 2 TDs
Chance of Winning on a Scale of 1-10: 0.0
Mark Harrison (Rutgers): The dude was a scoring machine last year, with nine touchdowns, including four in one game. Harrison has essentially become the number one threat over Mohamed Sanu, but it is truly a solid one-two combination. Though that combination could harm his chances at winning this award if Sanu stays healthy, and becomes number one again. Either way, it should be another solid season for Harrison.
2010 Stats: 43 Rec, 829 Yards, 9 TDs
Chance of Winning on a Scale of 1-10: 6.5
Tavon Austin (West Virginia): The converted RB has taken quite a liking to his new position. Austin blew up in 2010 with 58 receptions and eight touchdowns. He is Geno Smith's favorite returning target, mostly lining up in the slot, but also shows plenty of poise from the outside. Look for Austin's numbers to even get better this season with Dana Holgorsen's passer-friendly system. It could be an epic year for Tavon.
2010 Stats: 58 Rec, 787 Yards, 8 TDs
Chance of Winning on a Scale of 1-10: 7.2
Van Chew (Syracuse): Obviously has the best name of anyone on the watch list. He "chewed" up yardage last year(see what I did there?), going for over 600 yards on 41 receptions. He also found the endzone five times, in what turned out to be a prolific 2010 year. Chew's numbers should improve with QB, Ryan Nassib steadily maturing. He doesn't get enough credit for his range, but stats don't lie. He averaged over 16 yards per catch.
2010 Stats: 41 Rec, 611 Yards, 5 Tds
Chance of Winning on a Scale of 1-10: 5.8
Mike Shanahan (Pitt): Ladies and Gentlemen, meet your new Pitt star receiver. Shanahan put up very respectable numbers in 2010. He benefited from Jon Baldwin being double-teamed, and now is the big man in Oakland. Look for Shanahan to be targeted much more in 2011, especially in the redzone, a place he only reached once last season. The stars are aligned for this kid to take over, but will his QB let him down?
2010 Stats: 43 Rec, 589 Yards, 1 TD
Chance of Winning on a Scale of 1-10: 6.5
D.J. Woods (Cincinnati): Woods benefited from key injuries in 2010 and ended up having a superb season. He went over 100 yards receiving three times, and finished with 10 total touchdowns. He did put the ball on the ground numerous times, but the talent is certainly there. Look for a 1,000-plus yard season for the speedy wideout in 2011, especially with his QB improving in Butch Jones' system.
2010 Stats: 57 Rec, 898 Yards, 10 Total TDs
Chance of Winning on a Scale of 1-10: 6.8
Michael Smith (UConn): Academically Ineligible for the 2011 season. Not sure why he is on the list.
2010 Stats: 46 Rec, 615 Yards, 2 TDs
Chance of Winning on a Scale of 1-10: 0.0
Mark Harrison (Rutgers): The dude was a scoring machine last year, with nine touchdowns, including four in one game. Harrison has essentially become the number one threat over Mohamed Sanu, but it is truly a solid one-two combination. Though that combination could harm his chances at winning this award if Sanu stays healthy, and becomes number one again. Either way, it should be another solid season for Harrison.
2010 Stats: 43 Rec, 829 Yards, 9 TDs
Chance of Winning on a Scale of 1-10: 6.5
Big East Mackey Award Watch List
The award watch lists continue to roll out. Today, The Mackey Award names were released. Here is a look at the four Big East candidates.
Ryan Griffin (UConn): He was third on the team in receiving last year with 31 receptions. Griffin could have an even bigger year this season with more consistency from the QB position. He's known for having very solid technique, which should help him get to the next level. If he wants to win this award, he will have to find the endzone a lot more.
2010 Stats: 31 Rec, 245 Yards, 1 TD
Josh Chichester (Louisville): He ended up having a fairly consistent season for the Cards. Chichester only totaled 22 receptions, but five went for touchdowns. The converted WR has shown lots of promise at the position, and could really break out in 2011.
2010 Stats: 22 Rec, 317 Yards, 5 TDs
D.C. Jefferson (Rutgers): A little surprising Jefferson made the list, though just about every team has a representative. Rutgers fans are still waiting to see the 6'6", 258lb manchild take over. He had only 10 receptions last season, and none past November 3rd. It will take a Herculean effort to pull down this award.
2010 Stats: 10 Rec, 166 Yards, 1 TD
Nick Provo (Syracuse): Just like everyone else on the Orange, Provo busted through in 2010. He ended the season with 33 receptions, with an average of 11 yards-per-catch. He's expected to have an even bigger role in 2011, especially with his QB quickly maturing. Just like Griffin, he will have to light up the endzone a bit more to be considered for the Mackey.
2010 Stats: 33 Rec, 365 Yards, 1 TD
Ryan Griffin (UConn): He was third on the team in receiving last year with 31 receptions. Griffin could have an even bigger year this season with more consistency from the QB position. He's known for having very solid technique, which should help him get to the next level. If he wants to win this award, he will have to find the endzone a lot more.
2010 Stats: 31 Rec, 245 Yards, 1 TD
Josh Chichester (Louisville): He ended up having a fairly consistent season for the Cards. Chichester only totaled 22 receptions, but five went for touchdowns. The converted WR has shown lots of promise at the position, and could really break out in 2011.
2010 Stats: 22 Rec, 317 Yards, 5 TDs
D.C. Jefferson (Rutgers): A little surprising Jefferson made the list, though just about every team has a representative. Rutgers fans are still waiting to see the 6'6", 258lb manchild take over. He had only 10 receptions last season, and none past November 3rd. It will take a Herculean effort to pull down this award.
2010 Stats: 10 Rec, 166 Yards, 1 TD
Nick Provo (Syracuse): Just like everyone else on the Orange, Provo busted through in 2010. He ended the season with 33 receptions, with an average of 11 yards-per-catch. He's expected to have an even bigger role in 2011, especially with his QB quickly maturing. Just like Griffin, he will have to light up the endzone a bit more to be considered for the Mackey.
2010 Stats: 33 Rec, 365 Yards, 1 TD
Big East Bednarik Watch List
It's now time to take a look at the Big East players on the Bednarik Watch List. The award is for the best defensive player in the nation.
Bruce Irvin (DE, WVU): The sack specialist blew onto the scene last year. Irvin totaled just 21 tackles, but 14 of them were sacks. He also forced two fumbles in his limited play. His biggest question will be can he play on every down, at a high level. If he can then watch out, it could be an epic season.
2010 Stats: 21 Tackles, 14 Sacks, 2 FF
Made-Up Odds: 50-1
Brandon Lindsey (DE/LB, Pitt): Lindsey was the model of efficiency on the d-line last season. He tallied 51 tackles, 16 for loss, and 10 of them being sacks. The big man moves so well on his feet that many mistake him for a linebacker, which he is actually turning into. If his transition to the more athletic, outside position goes smoothly then watch out for a big season.
2010 Stats: 51 Tackles, 10 Sacks, 16 TFL
Made-Up Odds: 75-1
Kendall Reyes (DT, UConn): The meat in the middle will look to have another influential season in Storrs. The big man finished with 39 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and anchored a solid rush defense. Look for Reyes to continue to improve his stats as he eyes the NFL.
2010 Stats: 39 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks, 2 INT
Made-Up Odds: 95-1
Keith Tandy (CB, WVU): He has improved remarkably over the past few seasons. Tandy has the ability to shut down a side, but still tends to give up a long ball now and again. He finished a stellar 2010 campaign with six picks, truly showing his ball-hawking ways. Expect Tandy to continue to gain in confidence, and also be a leader for the WVU secondary.
2010 Stats: 54 Tackles, 6 INTS, 1 FF
Made-Up Odds: 90-1
Bruce Irvin (DE, WVU): The sack specialist blew onto the scene last year. Irvin totaled just 21 tackles, but 14 of them were sacks. He also forced two fumbles in his limited play. His biggest question will be can he play on every down, at a high level. If he can then watch out, it could be an epic season.
2010 Stats: 21 Tackles, 14 Sacks, 2 FF
Made-Up Odds: 50-1
Brandon Lindsey (DE/LB, Pitt): Lindsey was the model of efficiency on the d-line last season. He tallied 51 tackles, 16 for loss, and 10 of them being sacks. The big man moves so well on his feet that many mistake him for a linebacker, which he is actually turning into. If his transition to the more athletic, outside position goes smoothly then watch out for a big season.
2010 Stats: 51 Tackles, 10 Sacks, 16 TFL
Made-Up Odds: 75-1
Kendall Reyes (DT, UConn): The meat in the middle will look to have another influential season in Storrs. The big man finished with 39 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and anchored a solid rush defense. Look for Reyes to continue to improve his stats as he eyes the NFL.
2010 Stats: 39 Tackles, 2.5 Sacks, 2 INT
Made-Up Odds: 95-1
Keith Tandy (CB, WVU): He has improved remarkably over the past few seasons. Tandy has the ability to shut down a side, but still tends to give up a long ball now and again. He finished a stellar 2010 campaign with six picks, truly showing his ball-hawking ways. Expect Tandy to continue to gain in confidence, and also be a leader for the WVU secondary.
2010 Stats: 54 Tackles, 6 INTS, 1 FF
Made-Up Odds: 90-1
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Big East Maxwell Watch List
ESPN's Big East Blog has released the names on the Maxwell and Bednarik Watch Lists from the conference. Let's take a look at the Maxwell.
Zach Collaros (QB, Cincinnati): He has the talent to be one of the more versatile QB's in the conference, if not the country. Took a bit of a step back in 2010 due to losing a ton of talent around him, including his three best receivers (two to injury, one to NFL). He also struggled to pin down the new offense that Butch Jones installed at Cincinnati. Look for a bounce-back year for the big signal-caller.
2010 Stats: 2,902 Yards, 26 TD, 14 INT
Made-up Odds: 100-1
Isaiah Pead (RB, Cincinnati): Coming off a solid year for the Bearcats. Pead rushed for over a 1,000 yards, while averaging a whopping 6.6 yards-per-carry. Touchdown numbers were a little low, so that number will have to improve. Expect Pead to put up even better total yards this season, and maybe a bigger role in the passing game.
2010 Stats: 1,219 Total Yards, 7 TD's, 6.6 YPC
Made-Up Odds: 200-1
Ray Graham (RB, Pitt): Took full advantage of his opportunity last season, rushing for over 900 yards in split duty. Graham averaged over six yards a touch, while totaling 10 touchdowns. He will now be the feature back, and could once again put up huge yards if he has the space. Expect teams to load the box, considering Pitt doesn't have a strong passing game.
2010 Stats: 1,135 Total Yards, 10 TD, 6.2 YPC
Made-Up Odds: 125-1
Geno Smith (QB, WVU): Many are calling for him to have a superior year, especially if he's able to pick up Dana Holrogsen's passer-friendly system. He had a breakout year in 2010, showing solid accuracy and great poise under pressure. There are durability questions, but so far has managed to be on the field when it matters. Geno will also have handle a lot of high expectations for the Mountaineers this year.
2010 Stats: 2,763 Yards, 24 TD, 7 INT
Made-up Odds: 75-1
Here is the full list courtesy of the National Football Post. We will take a look at the Bednarik Watch List tomorrow.
Zach Collaros (QB, Cincinnati): He has the talent to be one of the more versatile QB's in the conference, if not the country. Took a bit of a step back in 2010 due to losing a ton of talent around him, including his three best receivers (two to injury, one to NFL). He also struggled to pin down the new offense that Butch Jones installed at Cincinnati. Look for a bounce-back year for the big signal-caller.
2010 Stats: 2,902 Yards, 26 TD, 14 INT
Made-up Odds: 100-1
Isaiah Pead (RB, Cincinnati): Coming off a solid year for the Bearcats. Pead rushed for over a 1,000 yards, while averaging a whopping 6.6 yards-per-carry. Touchdown numbers were a little low, so that number will have to improve. Expect Pead to put up even better total yards this season, and maybe a bigger role in the passing game.
2010 Stats: 1,219 Total Yards, 7 TD's, 6.6 YPC
Made-Up Odds: 200-1
Ray Graham (RB, Pitt): Took full advantage of his opportunity last season, rushing for over 900 yards in split duty. Graham averaged over six yards a touch, while totaling 10 touchdowns. He will now be the feature back, and could once again put up huge yards if he has the space. Expect teams to load the box, considering Pitt doesn't have a strong passing game.
2010 Stats: 1,135 Total Yards, 10 TD, 6.2 YPC
Made-Up Odds: 125-1
Geno Smith (QB, WVU): Many are calling for him to have a superior year, especially if he's able to pick up Dana Holrogsen's passer-friendly system. He had a breakout year in 2010, showing solid accuracy and great poise under pressure. There are durability questions, but so far has managed to be on the field when it matters. Geno will also have handle a lot of high expectations for the Mountaineers this year.
2010 Stats: 2,763 Yards, 24 TD, 7 INT
Made-up Odds: 75-1
Here is the full list courtesy of the National Football Post. We will take a look at the Bednarik Watch List tomorrow.
Rookie Training Camp Forecast
With more good news coming from the NFL/NFLPA talks, it seems like the right time to start thinking about WVU's newest pro class. Here's a closer look at some of the men trying to make the NFL in 2011.
Brandon Hogan (CB, 4th Round, Carolina): He wasn't just drafted for depth, Carolina believes this kid can make it. Hogan has very good instincts, but size may keep him from ever being outstanding. Chris Gamble and Captain Munnerlyn will probably be the starting tandem, with Richard Marshall on the way out. Expect Hogan to be on Nickle and Dime coverage in year one, with the possibility of becoming an everyday starter in the future.
Robert Sands (FS, 5th Round, Cincinnati): He could be a steal, he could be a bust, or he could be worth a fifth round pick. Sure, you could say that about any draft pick, but many believed Sands had first or second round potential. Others believed his size(6'5", 221) isn't ideal for the Free Safety position in the NFL. He is going to have to prove it isn't an issue. His tackling, and blitzing is solid, but will need to improve his coverage. Expect Sands to be in the mix for a backup roll at FS, and could be on Special Teams Patrol as well.
J.T. Thomas (OLB, 6th Round, Chicago): Well, he's already won the Chicago fans with his awesome gesture earlier this year. However, it will take a lot more to win over the coaches. He's not the biggest or fastest, but shows good leadership and field sense. He will be asked to roll on special teams right away, and will challenge for a backup spot on the outside. Though Nick Roach and Brian Iwuh are both free agents, so anything is possible.
Chris Neild (DT, 7th Round, Washington): One of the most respected Mountaineers to come out, Neild is simply solid. He won't wow anyone with stats. He won't make highlight reels. He is just going to take up a ton of space, and allow the outside to open up. It will be an uphill battle to make Washington. The position is loaded, but who knows with Albert Haynesworth trolling around. Expect Neild to get picked up quickly if let go by Washington.
Undrafted:
Noel Devine (RB): Injuries slowed Devine down in his senior year, but don't expect him to disappear. He will need to find the best situation, and show he can get it done in special teams, as well as the offense. If Devine can stay healthy he will get an opportunity to show how explosive he can be.
Jock Sanders (WR): He has return specialist written all over him. But, can he also play the slot in the NFL? At 5'7" it may be tough, but Sanders will try to prove size doesn't mater. He has the talent to play the position, but will he be durable enough? That will be Jock's biggest question mark.
Scooter Berry (DT): Five years ago he was a college fullback. He will most likely head to an NFL camp as a Nose Tackle. He has a lot riding against him, but has shown the ability to continue to adapt. Don't count this kid out yet.
Brandon Hogan (CB, 4th Round, Carolina): He wasn't just drafted for depth, Carolina believes this kid can make it. Hogan has very good instincts, but size may keep him from ever being outstanding. Chris Gamble and Captain Munnerlyn will probably be the starting tandem, with Richard Marshall on the way out. Expect Hogan to be on Nickle and Dime coverage in year one, with the possibility of becoming an everyday starter in the future.
Robert Sands (FS, 5th Round, Cincinnati): He could be a steal, he could be a bust, or he could be worth a fifth round pick. Sure, you could say that about any draft pick, but many believed Sands had first or second round potential. Others believed his size(6'5", 221) isn't ideal for the Free Safety position in the NFL. He is going to have to prove it isn't an issue. His tackling, and blitzing is solid, but will need to improve his coverage. Expect Sands to be in the mix for a backup roll at FS, and could be on Special Teams Patrol as well.
J.T. Thomas (OLB, 6th Round, Chicago): Well, he's already won the Chicago fans with his awesome gesture earlier this year. However, it will take a lot more to win over the coaches. He's not the biggest or fastest, but shows good leadership and field sense. He will be asked to roll on special teams right away, and will challenge for a backup spot on the outside. Though Nick Roach and Brian Iwuh are both free agents, so anything is possible.
Chris Neild (DT, 7th Round, Washington): One of the most respected Mountaineers to come out, Neild is simply solid. He won't wow anyone with stats. He won't make highlight reels. He is just going to take up a ton of space, and allow the outside to open up. It will be an uphill battle to make Washington. The position is loaded, but who knows with Albert Haynesworth trolling around. Expect Neild to get picked up quickly if let go by Washington.
Undrafted:
Noel Devine (RB): Injuries slowed Devine down in his senior year, but don't expect him to disappear. He will need to find the best situation, and show he can get it done in special teams, as well as the offense. If Devine can stay healthy he will get an opportunity to show how explosive he can be.
Jock Sanders (WR): He has return specialist written all over him. But, can he also play the slot in the NFL? At 5'7" it may be tough, but Sanders will try to prove size doesn't mater. He has the talent to play the position, but will he be durable enough? That will be Jock's biggest question mark.
Scooter Berry (DT): Five years ago he was a college fullback. He will most likely head to an NFL camp as a Nose Tackle. He has a lot riding against him, but has shown the ability to continue to adapt. Don't count this kid out yet.
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