The 2005 NFL Draft Countdown
April 23, 2005
Legend has it that a Florida State once tried to sign an entire Valdosta High School team from the 1970's. Well if any bright minded NFL GM put that philosophy to use, here is what they'd have:
2004 ALL-UGA NFL Roster
OFFENSE
TACKLE: # 78 Matt Stinchcomb (1st round), # 74 George Foster
GUARD: # 73 Steve Herndon (F/A), # 77 Jon Stinchcomb
CENTER: # 75 Jonas Jennings
TIGHT END: # 81 Randy McMichael, # 85 Jermaine Wiggins
QUARTERBACK: # 16 Quincy Carter (1st round)
FULLBACK: # 38 Mack Strong, #35 Patrick Pass
RUNNING BACK: # 34 Verron Haynes (4th round), # 20 Garrison Hearst (1st round), # 32 Musa Smith (2nd round)
WIDEOUT: # 86 Hines Ward (3rd round)
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE END: # 93 Richard Seymour (1st round), # 94 Charles Grant (1st round), Antonio Cocharan, Demetric Evans (undrafted)
TACKLE: # 99 Marcus Stroud, # 72 Jason Ferguson (6th Round), Robert Gaethers (3rd round)
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER: # 97 Kendrell Bell (2nd round), #54 Will Witherspoon (3rd round), # 95 Boss Bailey (1st round), # 57 Chris Clemons
MIDDLE LINEBACKER: # 58 Randell Godfrey, #50 Tony Gilbert
CORNER: # 24 Champ Bailey (1st round), # 25 Bruce Thornton (2nd round)
SAFETY: # 26 Terreal Berria, #23 Jermaine Phillips (5th round), # 31 Sean Jones (2nd round)
KICKER: # 4 John Kasey
PUNTER: # 5 Chris Carpenter
This years pups...
David Pollack 6'-3" 261 lbs 4.7 fourty yd. dash
Rated 25th best overall prospect by Mel Kiper Jr., #15 overall by Sports Illustrated, #9 overall by sportsnutz.com, #31 overall by footballsfuture.com
What they're saying: It appears the scout caucus is seriously split over the NFL potential of #47. Some (maybe the ones who actually watched David play) see his football instincts, and a motor with the throttle stuck open. They love his attitude and can see him as a force in team chemistry. The less emotional side feels he is to small to take on the 325 lb. NFL lineman and project him to move to OLB. At linebacker they question his straight line speed...Gil Brandt noted at the combines that teh players looked in great shape. He rememberd DP as the most in shape, most noting his commitment. He ran a 4.8 and worked at both groups, DE and LB, and seems to be in a battle with Erasmus James to be the first D-lineman picked.
Bottom line: With his head showing in his training for the Combines, # 47 is a sure 1st rounder.
Possible Teams: Green Bay, Dallas
Thomas Davis 6'-1" 230 lbs 4.55 fourty yd. dash
Rated #1 safety and #10 overall prospect by Mel Kiper Jr., rated best player in draft by Corey Chavous, #18 overall by Sports Illustrated, #37 overall by sportsnutz.com, # 9 overall by footballsfuture.com
What they're saying: The big time impact of last years safeties, Roy Williams and Sean Taylor, has everybody in love with a big body with a nose for the ball. It's the right year for TD. They love his size, and upside at strong safety, but an NFL coach could also use him at OLB in pass situations. If TD is raw...look out. If he could shave off a .06 of his listed fourty time he would really create some phone jockeying on draft day. As it is now, he's is one of the top "difference makers" in this draft.
Bottom line: Somebody's going to get a football player...and pay for him!
Possible teams: Detroit
Reggie Brown 6'-1" 197 lbs 4.5 fourty yd. dash
Rated #8 wideout by Mel Kiper Jr., #20 wideout by sportsnutz.com, #39 overall by footballsfuture.com
What they're saying: All agree Reggie is an excellent athlete. He's probably the strongest receiver being seriously looked at. Reggie also has a big time verticle, that can be a weapon in the Red Zone. He is not considered a first rounder (at this point) due to his inconsistancy compared to his ability. At 4.5, some say he's not a deep threat.
Bottom line: Combines are big for his first contract, but Reggie is going to get a chance to prove how good he can be in the NFL.
Possible teams: Buffalo, Chicago, Oakland
Fred Gibson 6'-3" 200 lbs 4.5 fourty yard dash
Rated #7 wideout prospect by Mel Kiper Jr., #73 overall by sportsnutz.com, outside top 50 overall by footballsfuture.com.
What they're saying: It was noted that Fred went over the middle for a catch in the Senior Bowl. He's considered a long, lanky, basketball type receiver, but is noted for making a big play on the football field. Ill never forget yelling "who the hell is that?!" as he ran away from everyone on the field in Knoxville, his second game. Costing him draft position is that he's called inconsistant and not incredibly durable by some. Actually, I think the underachievement of the 2004 Bulldogs is dogging the seniors.
Bottom line: Fred, too, will get a free pass on an NFL roster, and some local welcome by being picked, at worst, in the third round. He could help that position leading up to the draft with some good workouts.
Possible Teams: Buffalo, Chicago, Oakland
David Green 6'-3" 227 lbs 4.8 fourty yd. dash
Rated #9 QB by Mel Kiper Jr., #9 QB by sportsnutz.com
What they're saying: If David could grow two inches by April he could be a instant millionare. His arm strength is being questioned, but he didn't underthrow any balls in the Senior Bowl and I doubt Chucky ran any candy cane plays for David. He is listed as "not slow." In a snub to its minor league system, the NFL establishment is not putting much weight in the 42 wins David directed on the field. In a TV skills competition David held his own with Aaron Rodgers, the projected #1 pick. The top two blew away the other two QB's in accuracy and arm strength.
Bottom line: If you listen to the talking heads it doesn't look good for # 14. His future rides on what team takes a flyer on him and what level of teaching they offer. But David Green epitomizes potential and is an evolving learner. His career should be fun to watch.
Possible teams: Seattle, New York Jets,
Odell Thurmon 6'-1" 235 lbs 4.7 fourty yd. dash
Rated #3 Inside LB by Mel Kiper Jr., #36 overall by sportnutz.com, # 35 overall prospect by footballsfuture.com
What they're saying: Odell has got speed and alot of toughness, the scouts recognize this, and his stock is rising...Odell ran a 4.68 at the Combines..3rd fastest LB
Bottom line: Looks to be another Kendrell or Mo Lewis. Teams like Dawg linebackers. Second round at latest...and a steal.
Possible Teams: Tampa Bay
Arnold Harrison 6'-3" 237 lbs 4.7 fourty yd. dash
Rated # 13 OLB prospect by Mel Kiper Jr.
What they're saying: Scouts like his big body and some teams might want him to gain weight. But his speed has also been noticed and is being looked at strongly as a special teams player.
Bottom Line: Hell yes!, We'll have another Dawg to follow!
Possible Teams: St. Louis
Since 1993 2,515 players have been drafted. The breakdown of top schools:
Tennessee: 67
Ohio State: 66
FSU: 63
Miami: 62
Florida: 57
Georgia: 48
Colorado: 48
Michigan: 47
Penn. State: 43
Southern Cal.: 41
report any draft news to scott@dawgcall.com