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2008 NFL Draft: 12 Guys to Watch
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2009 NFL Draft: Top Prospects

Every year, some players who had productive college careers but the pre-draft workouts may not have reflected that. It doesn't mean they can't play however and a good scout will tell you, its not just about the 40 time or the bench press. Its about whether or not these guys can produce when the lights come on. The following prospects may have not graded out well or they may be unknown to the general populace.  

1. Josh Johnson QB 6-3 200 4.74 San Diego: Terrific athlete who has the arm to go with it. Would be a great fit in an offense that utilizes spread sets and with a West Coast philosophy. Johnson will need two years to develop before he can step into a starting spot.

2. Matt Forte RB 6-1 221 4.55 Tulane: Great size, ideal for a predominately one-back system similar to the Colts. Speed is a concern for scouts, but Forte runs with great balance and vision and his speed is deceptive because he is a long strider.

3. Kevin Smith RB 6-1 212 4.53 Central Florida: Productive college back who doesn’t run the blazing forty but he’s a grinder and a tackle breaker. A natural runner who flashes some explosiveness and is an ideal fit as an I-Back.

4. Adarius Bowman WR 6-3 220 4.53 Oklahoma St.: Bowman didn’t project well in pre-draft workouts but the production and the body of work was there in college. Some scouts have projected him as an H-back but I think he has enough game speed that he can play the X-receiver. Remember, scouts also said these things about T.O in 1996.

5. Martin Rucker TE 6-5 248 4.69 Missouri: Great size and speed combination. Extremely productive college player, Missouri’s all-time leading receiver. Although Rucker is not a great blocker, he is ideal in an offense that uses their tight ends in multiple personnel groupings ala the Patriots.

6. King Dunlap OT 6-9 312 5.06 Auburn: Dunlap’s stock has fallen but he is still an intriguing prospect because of his size, speed combination. Is a bit thin legged and doesn’t bend properly. If he is given time to develop however, he could be very good. In the mold of another former Tiger, Marcus McNeil.

7. Kendall Langford DE 6-6 275 4.97 Hampton: Langford has great size and has the tools to play in either the 4-3 or the 3-4. Great against the run, uses his hands well and moves well laterally. Great value in the forth or fifth round.

8. DeMario Pressley DT 6-3 300 5.16 N.C State: One of the most highly touted high school recruits when he entered N.C State. Has underachieved but the upside is there and if he ends up in the right situation, he could reach his potential as a shade nose.

9. Shawn Crable OLB 6-5 241 4.65 Michigan: Can play with his hand up or down as a situational pass rusher. A bit thin legged but explosive. Active and move well laterally. Would be an ideal fit in the 3-4.

10. Justin King CB 6-0 185 4.38 Penn St.: King has great size and he can flat out fly. He underachieved as a junior and would have benefited by staying in school. With that said, he can play and would be a good value in the fourth or fifth round.

11. Caleb Campbell SS 6-2 223 4.53 Army: Campbell is an intriguing because of his size and his physical play. Although he is not as fast as scouts would like, he can be effective in zone. Tough and physical in run support, don’t be surprised to see him moved to linebacker especially in the 4-3.

12. Art Carmody PK 5-9 170 5.12 Louisville: All-time NCAA leading scorer is accurate especially inside the 40. Doesn’t have the strongest leg but he is dependable and is certainly good enough to get drafted.

 

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