Tuesday February 20, 2007

The Draft

The Draft
The NFL combine starts tomorrow in Indianapolis and Clemson should be well represented. Gaines Adams is a projected top ten pick and other Tigers like Chansi Stuckey, C.J. Gaddis, Dustin Fry, Anthony Waters, Nathan Bennett, Duane Coleman and Roman Fry will get a chance to impress scouts at the Clemson pro day later. Stuckey is a guy that will have a chance to improve his stock coming off of an inconsistent Senior Bowl week. Gaddis might really improve his stock after testing well.

The 2007 NFL draft will take place in New York City on April 28-29.

I know it is too early to begin talking about where this current class will get drafted but I thought it would be fun to speculate on some of the Tigers' future draft possibilities. Below I have listed information on the current Tigers and thoughts on their pro potential. I have excluded the incoming freshmen class. Here are my "way too early to start talking about it" thoughts on some current players:

Draft Class 2008
James Davis Jr-The Atlanta native is only heading into his junior season but if he could have a big junior campaign he could entertain ideas of leaving early. I think Davis could be a good NFL back but I am not sure he will test all that well and I am not sure he would be a first-rounder if he decided to forgo his senior season. His strengths are that he sees the field well and has great instincts. Davis is much stronger than many think. He can break tackles and catches the ball well. He does not posses the breakaway speed that some teams will be looking for. I could see him coming back but I think that decision is a long way off.

Barry Richardson Sr-He came back for his senior season after a slightly disappointing junior year. Richardson needs to improve his work ethic if he expects to become a first-rounder. Like a lot of guys in his shoes, he can be as good as he wants and only work can get him there. At times Richardson shows flashes of brilliance but consistency is an issue.

Phillip Merling Jr-I think Merling could entertain the idea of coming out a year early. He plays extremely hard and a big junior season could increase his chances of leaving. He has a lot of the physical tools the NFL will look for but his development will be the key.

Nick Watkins Sr-This is a guy the pro scouts will love in coverage and maybe on special teams. If he can come up with a big senior campaign I could see Watkins making it in the league. He will need to get bigger and stronger but some skills are there. A lot of the NFL is coverage and the ability to play in space and Watkins is excellent in both areas.

Tramaine Billie Sr-He will remind some of a shorter Michael Boulware in that he is a college linebacker that will have to move to safety at the next level. Billie has the speed to become a big-time threat if he plays like he did in fall camp last August. His productivity was down in the previous year but the staff felt he was about to turn the corner before his injury. A lot will depend on his recovery and his work ethic.

Draft Class 2009
C. J. Spiller So-The freshman sensation has the speed and athleticism that currently exists in the NFL and Spiller could think about coming out after three years. However, smaller backs have had a hard time with durability in the NFL. I think he could be a big-timer or a pro disappointment depending on how he is used in the NFL. Like Davis, I would not be sure that he is a guy that would be a sure shot to come out after three years.

Rendrick Taylor Jr-Big receivers still have a place in the NFL and Taylor will impress scouts on testing days. He will need to improve his productivity in order to catch more scouts eyes heading into his junior season.

Rickey Sapp So-In two years I am not sure you could draw up a better looking outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Sapp will turn heads when he runs his 40 for the scouts. He will get plenty of looks and comparisons to Gaines Adams over the next 24 months but I think he has a higher ceiling.

Rashaad Jackson Jr-Scouts will love how hard Jackson plays. They will also like his productivity. Jackson is a high character guy that moves very well. I think he has a big upside also.

Jock McKissic Jr-This is a NFL body and he showed signs last season of becoming more productive and consistent. He still has a long way to go but the potential is still there. Keep an eye on McKissic's development.

Dorel Scott Jr-This is a big, run-stopping defender that scouts will keep a close eye on as well. He looks like many Clemson defensive linemen that have made a bunch of money in the league. I will be interested to see who emerges among Jackson, McKissic and Scott.

Michael Hamlin Jr-In some ways Hamlin is exactly what you are looking for in an NFL safety. He is smart and should have good testing on pro days. I think he can improve and work his way up the board of top safeties in this class.

Tomorrow, I will look at the draft class of 2010 that could include players like Jacoby Ford, Corey Lambert, Thomas Austin, Jamie Cumbie, Kevin Alexander, Crezdon Butler and the class of 2011 that could include players like Byron Maxwell and Richard Jackson.

Mickey's Blog also brought to you by:

864-834-6060

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency