Two Representing WVU at the NFL Combine

West Virginia will be represented by two former standouts at this year's NFL Combine. Najee Goode and Bruce Irvin will be in Indianapolis for the week-long scouting event. Both players join an impressive list of players looking to impress all 32 teams before the NFL Draft in April.

Goode had a solid final season at the inside linebacker position. He finished with 87 total tackles to lead the team. Goode also had five sacks, one interception, and a forced fumble. He has decent size, very good awareness, and solid tackling ability. He will certainly be looking to improve his speed, and show he can play in a base defense. CBS has him listed as a 7th round prospect.

Irvin is the sack specialist, who had his numbers drop a bit in his final season. However, most scouts will understand that he saw many more double teams this season than last. He still finished with 8.5 sacks and forced three fumbles. He also played many more snaps this season, totaling 40 tackles. Irvin has pure rushing ability, tremendous speed, and technique. Can he play DE in the league? Or is outside linebacker in his future? Look for Irvin to destroy some of the speed drills at the combine. CBS has Irvin as a 3rd-4th round prospect. If he has a good combine and pro day, he will go higher than that.

Snubs: Julian Miller and Keith Tandy both should have been invited. Miller had a productive career at DE for WVU. He is also projected to be a late-rounder. Meanwhile, Tandy didn't have the strongest final season, but does have a very good skill-set at CB, and is projected to be a mid-round pick.

Former Mountaineers in the NFL, Week 14

Anthony Becht, TE, Chiefs: Didn't register any stats for in a loss to the Steelers.

Brandon Hogan: Was inactive for the Panthers. Yet to play this year.

Mortty Ivy, LB, Steelers: Resigned by the Steelers las week, and had one tackle in win over the Browns.

PacMan Jones, CB, Bengals: Registered four tackles and had two passes defensed in loss to Steelers.

Ellis Lankster, CB, Jets: Was inactive for the Jets this week.

Pat McAfee, P, Colts: Had six punts, with an average of 44 in a loss to Baltimore.

Corey McIntyre, FB, Bills: Started, but didn't register any stats in Buffalo's loss to the Chargers.

Ryan Mundy, FS, Steelers: Didn't register any stats in win over the Browns.

Chris Neild, NT, Redskins: Didn't register any stats in loss to the Redskins.

Robert Sands, FS, Bengals: Back to the inactive list.

Owen Schmitt, FB, Eagles: Didn't register any stats in win pver the Dolphins.

Steve Slaton, RB, Dolphins: Was inactive this week for the Dolphins.

Injuries:

J.T. Thomas: Injured Reserve

Former Mountaineers in the NFL, Week 11

Anthony Becht, TE, Chiefs: Inactive in loss to the New England Patriots.

PacMan Jones, CB, Bengals: Led the team with seven tackles in loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Brandon Hogan: Was inactive for the Panthers, but taken off the injured list and should be seeing the field soon.

Mortty Ivy, LB, Steelers: Bye Week for the Steelers.

Ellis Lankster, CB, Jets: Didn't register any stats in loss to the Denver Broncos.

Pat McAfee, P, Colts: Bye Week for the Colts.

Corey McIntyre, FB, Bills: Started, ut didn't register any stats in Buffalo's loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Ryan Mundy, FS, Steelers: Bye Week for the Steelers.

Chris Neild, NT, Redskins: Registered one tack and half a sack in loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Robert Sands, FS, Bengals: Inactive again for the Bengals. has yet to suit up this year.

Owen Schmitt, FB, Eagles: Was targeted once in win over the New York Giants.

Steve Slaton, RB, Dolphins: Was inactive this week for the Dolphins,

Injuries:

J.T. Thomas: Injured Reserve

Former Mountaineers in the NFL, Week 10

Anthony Becht, TE, Chiefs: Didn't register any stats in KC's loss to the Miami Dolphins.

PacMan Jones, CB, Bengals: Inactive in win over Tennessee. Still dealing with injuries.

Mortty Ivy, LB, Steelers: Didn't register any tackles in loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Ellis Lankster, CB, Jets: Had one tackle for the Jets in their win over the Buffalo Bills.

Pat McAfee, P, Colts: Had a whopping nine punts for a 50 yard average in Indy's loss to the Falcons.

Corey McIntyre, FB, Bills: Didn't register any stats in Buffalo's loss to the Jets.

Ryan Mundy, FS, Steelers: Had one tackle in the Steelers' loss to Baltimore.

Chris Neild, NT, Redskins: Had one tackle in Washington's loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Robert Sands, FS, Bengals: Inactive again for the Bengals. has yet to suit up this year.

Owen Schmitt, FB, Eagles: Registered one tackle in Philly's loss to the Bears.

Steve Slaton, RB, Dolphins: Was inactive this week for the Dolphins, who finally won a damn game.

Injuries:

Brandon Hogan: Has been practicing, yet still on the PUP list. Could be back this Sunday.

J.T. Thomas: Injured Reserve

Former Mountaineers in the NFL, Week 8

Anthony Becht, TE, Chiefs: Was resigned this week, but didn't register any stats.

PacMan Jones, CB, Bengals: Had one punt return for 63 yards in his first game back. However, injured his hamstring as well.

Mortty Ivy, LB, Steelers: Didn't register nay tackles in his first game after being signed from the practice squad.

Ellis Lankster, CB, Jets: Bye week for the Jets.

Pat McAfee, P, Colts: Six punts averaging over 44 yards per, in a loss to the Titans. Also had one blocked.

Corey McIntyre, FB, Bills: Registered three tackles in Buffalo's win over the Redskins.

Ryan Mundy, FS, Steelers: Registered five total tackles in win over the Patriots. Did have a crucial holding call late as well.

Chris Neild, NT, Redskins: Didn't register any stats in loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Robert Sands, FS, Bengals: Inactive again for the Bengals. has yet to suit up this year.

Owen Schmitt, FB, Eagles: Was targeted once for the Eagles in their win over the Cowboys.

Steve Slaton, RB, Dolphins: rushed for seven yars on five carries with his first career touchdown for Miami. However, the Fins still lost.

Injuries:

Brandon Hogan: Has been practicing, and may come back after the bye week.

J.T. Thomas: Injured Reserve

Former Mountaineers in the NFL, Preseason Week 1

Here's a quick look at the participation for former Mountaineers in the NFL last week.

J.T. Thomas, OLB, Bears: Did not play in the first game with a hip.

Wes Lyons, WR, Steelers: Was targeted once with no receptions.

Ryan Mundy, S, Steelers: Led the team with eight tackles, and chipped in with a pass breakup

Mortty Ivy, LB, Steelers: Second on the team in tackles with six.

Chris Neild, DT, Redskins: Played late in game, didn't register a tackle.

Selvish Capers, OL, Redskins: Saw time in game one.

Robert Sands, S, Bengals: Registered four tackles in his first career NFL game.

Pac Man Jones, CB, Bengals: Did not play in game one.

Jarrett Brown, QB, Browns: 1-2 for 13 yards and a pick in limited time.

Jock Sanders, WR, Buccaneers: Targeted once, with no receptions. However, led team in punt return average with 17.0 ypr, including a long of 21.

Darius Reynaud, WR, Giants: Had one catch for five yards, and returned two punts for a total of 14 yards.

Sidney Glover, CB, Bills: Didn't record any stats in game one.

Corey McIntyre, FB, Bills: Didn't record any stats in game one.

Pat McAfee, P, Colts: Averaged over 45 yards per punt, and even nailed a PAT.

Owen Schmitt, FB, Eagles: Registered one carry for two yards.

Brandon Hogan, CB, Pathers: Still not back from ACL injury

Ellis Lankster, CB, Jets: Two tackles in his Jets' debut

Steve Slaton, RB, Texans: Did not play in game one

Scooter Berry, DT, Texans: Didn't record any stats

Jock Sanders to Join the Bucs

Word from Geoff Coyle is that Jock Sanders is off to Tampa to join the Buccaneers. The former Mountaineer superback will most likely be battling for the return specialist job.

Sanders could be more limited in the NFL due to his size, especially at the position he plays. At just 5'6", Sanders isn't the prototypical receiver size, but the dude has talent. He could be a dynamic return man, and may find himself in the backfield. If given the chance in Tampa, Sanders could prove his value.

Tampa could use some help on kickoff returns, and A LOT of help on punt returns. The Bucs were 30th in punt return average (6.4 yards) in the league. It's also a team that will be looking for receivers. It will be interesting to see if Sanders gets that chance to prove he can play the slot in this league.

Anthony Leonard to the Patriots

It looks like Anthony Leonard will be taking his talents to the greatest team on the face of the Earth, the New England Patriots (no bias here). The former Mountaineer linebacker will be thrown into the fire of a very crowded unit in Foxboro.

Leonard had a solid final year in Morgantown, finishing with 70 total tackles, eight for loss. He has good size for the inside, but quickness eludes him. Leonard's best chance to shine is on kick coverage, with an outside shot of being a primary backup. However, this is the New England Patriots. This is the team that takes the "Never Will Be's" and turns them into respectable players. So, anything is possible.

Best of luck to Leonard, and being a Mountaineer Alum and and Pat's fan, I sincerely hope he makes this squad.

Noel Devine to Sign with Atlanta, errrr Philly

According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Noel Devine will sign with the Atlanta Falcons at 10AM today. The former Mountaineer rusher joins a busy backfield, including Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers. However, it may look different in a few days with both Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling listed as free agents.

Devine was extremely productive during his time in Morgantown, and was a no doubt draft pick before injuries slowed him down. He tested well heading up to the draft, including a low of 4.36 in the 40. Ultimately, his questionable durability and small stature (5'8", 179lb) outweighed his ability, and wasn't drafted.

This is the ultimate "just give him a chance" situation. Devine will make it in this league, he just needs the chance...I'm just not so sure this is his best opportunity. It would be hard to believe that Atlanta is looking to keep Devine along with Rodgers. The players are similar in stature and style. And, you'd have to believe Rodgers already has a leg up in the competition considering he was a 5th round pick. It should be a fun battle, whatever the case may be.

Even if Devine's future isn't in the Dirty Dirty, it's a step in the door...a chance for him to prove he belongs. Expect the speedster to take full advantage of it.

UPDATE: According to HailWV.com and others, Devine has not signed with the Falcons just yet, and is listening to other offers. We will try to keep you posted.

UPDATE, UPDATE: Devine has inked a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Not sure it's much better of a situation than the one in Atlanta. That is a jumbled backfield, so Devine will have to work to make this team.

Undrafted Free Agents Getting Ready for the Call

With the NFL season just days away from finally beginning, one group of former Mountaineers are collectivly breathing a sigh of relief. Typically undrafted free agents would be deep into OTA's, and spending or saving their signing bonuses. Sure, the bonuses are much smaller than those of first rounders, but at least its financial security. While drafted players have essentially been supported by their respective agents and waiting for camps to open, the undrafted players have been out in the real world, trying to make a buck or two, waiting for football to start. And now the NFL is back, and a whole bunch of movin' and shakin' is about to go down.

There's reports that have undrafted free agent signings beginning as early as today. This means Noel Devine, Sidney Glover, Scooter Berry, and Jock Sanders will be waiting intently by the phone.

Devine is an outstanding talent. He was a lock to be drafted, but injuries hampered his production in his Senior season. Devine will find it tough to be an every-down back in the NFL, but his quickness and pure speed can make him valuable in the right system. He has good hands too, and could be used as a return man. Durability will be his biggest issue in the NFL.
Possible Locations: Cleveland, St Louis, Carolina

Sanders will be more limited in the NFL due to his size, and the position he plays. At just 5'6", Sanders isn't the prototypical receiver size, but the dude has talent. He could be a dynamic return man, and may find himself in the backfield. If given the chance Sanders could prove his value.
Possible Locations: New York Giants, Pittsburgh, San Fransisco

Glover was a productive safety during his time in Morgantown. He has good size, fair speed, and good hands. Glover showed he could help against the run, and also had eight tackles for loss. His technique probably needs work, but could find a job in special teams, while maturing.
Possible Locations: Buffalo, Indianapolis, Denver

Berry converted from fullback to the defensive line, and prospered under Jeff Casteel. He's very good against the run, and has the athleticism to get after the quarterback. Could use a few more pounds to truly be a solid DT.
Possible Locations: Buffalo, Oakland, Washington

Best of luck to all of these players, and the former Mountaineers that were already drafted. Yes, it looks like the NFL is just about back.

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.