Senior Bowl Notes

The NFL Network did a great job with the Senior Bowl coverage which was wrapped up by ESPN in a 31-14 victory by the North (coached by the Titan's Jeff Fisher). Here are some quick thoughts after watching the practices and the game.

D'Brickshawn Ferguson (Virginia Tech) has looked like the top prospect all week. He got beat inside easy, something he has done in the past, by taking a bad first step (to the outside) in the game. Outside of that, he displayed great footwork and technique. There are a lot of interesting OT prospects this year (Jonathan Scott, Marcus McNeill, Eric Winston - in the Senior Bowl alone.

Offensive Guard Max Jean Gilles (Georgia) has stood out to me in both practice and in the game. He handled Michigan's Gabe Watson with no problem in the battle of the titans. Gabe has looked decent, especially when not going against MJG. Both are just huge. Nick Mangold (Ohio State) is a very solid center, best of the group. The Lions have a great chance to upgrade the offensive line this year as their is a lot of depth in the draft.

I've been disappointed with Jay Cutler (Vanderbilt) at QB. He does have a big arm and quick release, I can see why scouts like him, but his accuracy and decision making didn't impress me. None of the QBs have been lights out, Charlie Whitehurst (Clemson) and Brodie Croyle (Alabama) play didn't hurt them.

DeAngelo Williams (Memphis) stood out among the RBs to no surprise. He showed good vision and football quickness.

Sinorice Moss (Miami) looked the best of an unimpressive WR group. Jason Avant (Michigan) had too many drops, didn't help himself. Demetrius Williams (Oregon) had a solid week of practice but didn't stand out in the game.

TE Dominique Byrd (USC) really helped himself by running great routes and catching everything. The TE group in general looked stronger than I expected, Joe Klopfenstein (Colorado) caught a nice touchdown in the game.

Defensively, Tye Hill (Clemson) was the best corner all week. He can press at the line, has good speed and coverage skills, and showed flashes of being a playmaker.

Mathias Kiwanuka (Boston College) was the defensive player I was most excited to see. As it turned out, he didn't play up to the level I was hoping to see. Kiwi was dominated by Ferguson all week, he looked overpowered in most of the matchups in the 1 on 1 drills. DE Tamba Hali (Penn State) looks undersized but he goes after the QB with a great motor.

Nothing jumped out at me at the LB position, Chad Greenway (Iowa) does look like a mid first rounder (or a reach at #9). His college teamate, Abdul Hodge, is likely to be selected high as well. DeMeco Ryans (Alabama) will get some attention at the combine.

Senior Bowl Rosters, TV/Radio, & Fan Guide

The 57th Senior Bowl takes place in Mobile, Alabama and is the last chance to see highly rated seniors in game action against their peers. It is considered one of the most important scouting events of the year were players, like quarterback turned wide receiver Matt Jones in 2005, can begin to make huge leaps up NFL draft boards. These are the future stars of pro football as evidenced by 26 former Senior Bowl players headed to the NFL Pro Bowl.

Kickoff is set for 3:06 p.m. and the contest will be nationally-televised by ESPN live from Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

You can also listen to the streamed version of the game on the official radio station of the Senior Bowl WNSP.

Senior Bowl Fan Guide (PDF)

South Team Roster Coaching Staff: 49ers 10 Joseph Addai RB LSU 75 Will Allen OL Texas 47 Mark Anderson DE Alabama 1 D. Aromashodu WR Auburn 18 Hank Baskett WR New Mex. 17 Greg Blue SA Georgia 52 Brodrick Bunkley DL FSU 63 Ryan Cook OL New Mexico 12 Brodie Croyle QB Alabama 68 Mike Degory OL Florida 70 Cody Douglas OL Tenn 98 Elvis Dumervil DE Louisville 32 S. Gostkowski K Memphis 5 Skyler Green WR LSU 6 Cedric Griffin CB Texas 4 Darrell Hackney QB UAB 38 Andre Hall RB South Florida 99 Parys Haralson DE Tenn 41 Roman Harper SA Alabama 92 Orien Harris DL Miami 42 Spencer Havner LB UCLA 40 Thomas Howard LB UTEP 7 Marcus Hudson DB N.C. State 77 Max Jean-Gilles OL Georgia 22 Kelly Jennings CB Miami 23 Tim Jennings CB Georgia 91 Manny Lawson DE NC State 19 Marcedes Lewis TE UCLA 55 Jesse Mahelona DL Tenn 73 Marcus McNeill OL Auburn 35 Garrett Mills FB Tulsa 2 DeMario Minter CB Georgia 9 Anthony Mix WR Auburn 83 Sinorice Moss WR Miami 21 Jerious Norwood RB Miss St 2 Ben Obomanu WR Auburn 81 Thomas Olmsted P Troy 8 Freddie Roach LB Alabama 35 DeMeco Ryans LB Alabama 71 Jonathan Scott OL Texas 3 D.J. Shockley QB Georgia 72 Albert Toeaina OL Tenn 24 Pat Watkins SA FSU 44 G. Wilkinson LB GA Tech 20 D. Williams RB Memphis 95 Kyle Williams DL LSU 82 T.J. Williams TE N.C. State 51 Travis Williams LB Auburn 94 Kamerion Wimbley DE FSU 74 Eric Winston OL Miami

North Team Roster Coaching Staff: Titans 4 Jahmile Addae SA West Virginia 95 Victor Adeyanju DE Indiana 42 Jon Alston LB Stanford 8 Jason Avant WR Michigan 11 Mike Bell RB Arizona 1 Will Blackmon CB Boston College 14 Daniel Bullocks SA Nebraska 86 Dominique Byrd USC 73 Daryn Colledge OL Boise State 6 Jay Cutler QB Vanderbilt 99 Dusty Dvoracek DL Oklahoma 66 DB Ferguson OL Virginia 18 Chad Greenway LB Iowa 80 Derek Hagan WR Arizona State 91 Tamba Hali DE Penn State 9 Jerome Harrison RB Wash St 8 Tye Hill CB Clemson 51 Abdul Hodge LB Iowa 32 Cedric Humes RB Virginia Tech 28 Darrell Hunter CB Miami, OH 44 Clint Ingram LB Oklahoma 27 Brian Iwuh LB Colorado 52 D’Qwell Jackson LB Maryland 77 Davin Joseph OL Oklahoma 94 Mathias Kiwanuka DE BC 89 Joe Klopfenstein TE Colorado 56 Jonathan Lewis DL Virginia Tech 76 Deuce Lutui OL USC 55 Nick Mangold OL Ohio State 15 Martin Nance WR Miami, OH 61 Ryan O’Callaghan OL California 96 Babatunde Oshinowo Stanford 54 Marvin Philip OL California 1 Anwar Phillips CB Penn State 26 David Pittman DB Nrthwstrn St 12 Michael Robinson QB Penn St 68 Mark Setterstrom OL Minnesota 20 Anthony Smith SA Syracuse 56 Charles Spencer OL Pittsburgh 21 Maurice Stovall WR Notre Dame 55 Darryl Tapp DE Virginia Tech 29 John Torp P Colorado 72 Jeremy Trueblood OL Boston Col. 17 Lawrence Vickers FB Colorado 78 Gabe Watson DL Michigan 38 Terrence Whitehead RB Oregon 6 Charlie Whitehurst QB Clemson 2 Demetrius Williams WR Oregon 4 Travis Wilson WR Oklahoma 40 Deric Yaussi K Wyoming

One Way to Rule Them All

In the coming months the Detroit Lions Braintrust will be pouring over stat sheets, reviewing videotape and speaking to college coaches about players that they may be interested in. But before that is done, it is imperative that Matt Millen and new head coach Rod Marinelli establish an identity for this team. Will they be aggressive? Will they use a Cover 2 defense? Will they retain the West Coast Offense and add a vertical dimension that has lacked in the past or will they do away with the WCO playbook entirely? In order to attract free agents and to properly identify which college players will fit this team properly, this 'infrastructure' must be firmly established. No players want to sign with a team caught in a maelstrom of uncertainty. What has lacked on this team is a 'One True Direction'. Matt Millen wanted a tough, aggressive approach to the game. That means the attitude has to be established in practice. Steve Mariucci was notorious for running 'soft' practices with little to no contact. Millen wanted a more vertical offensive attack, Mariucci was conservative to a fault and barely ever allowed a deep pass to be thrown when it wasn't warranted. In the past Matt Millen has signed and drafted talent, but has failed to identify them as good fits for the team. This is an art that teams like Pittsburgh, Denver and New England have been able to draw from to create winning franchises. While the approach that Rod Marinelli announced in his introduction press conference seemed like a good first step, it simply won't be enough. The Lions have to get all the coaching pieces of the puzzle in place and become a unidirectional organization, at least for appearances sake to prospect players interested in joining this team.

Rod Marinelli has stated that he feels building the lines is what must come first, and I can't say I disagree. We all know how disappointing the offensive line was this past season. Whether it was from poor coaching, poor scheming or poor play we can't say for sure. Suffice to say there was some of all three involved in the debacle. I am not sure that spending draft picks on linemen will help this team in 2006, but one can argue that the right picks can step in and have immediate impact. Khalif Barnes, Rob Pettiti and Anthony Alabi are all players who gained significant playing time as rookies in 2005, and certainly improved the performance of their respective teams offensive lines. None were first round picks in a draft that wasn't believed to have great talent at the offensive tackle position. So do the Lions really have to spend a first round pick to upgrade the offensive tackle position? I guess by this example the answer is no. And in a draft rich with offensive tackle talent, the right thing to do may be to wait until after round one.

But before it all happens, the Lions new head coach must create the identity of this team. And the current players need to do more than just accept it. They need to embrace the change and focus their attentions to what must be done rather than making points in the media.

"It starts on both sides of the ball” – Rod Marinelli

With the naming of Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive line/assistant head coach Rod Marinelli as the new Detroit Lions head coach, clues have already started to surface as to what the Lions might be thinking of doing with the ninth overall pick in the draft.

In his first press conference as head coach Marinelli laid out what he thinks is critical for success. “I want to have a great offensive line, physical. I want to have a great defensive line because that will last for 16 consecutive weeks when your start building up front. Obviously every position is important, but that’s where I’ll focus,” Marinelli stated.

His statements clearly indicate that the Lions will evaluate their personnel on both the offensive and defensive lines, free agency and the draft will both be focused on upgrading the trenches.

What mental aspects are most important to the Lions new head coach? “I want football character too. The measurable things, everybody understands that. But I understand football character.” Marinelli stated.

So expect Marinelli and the Lions to invest in physical linemen with football character. By football character, Marinelli is looking for prospects with a great passion for playing the game of football and with a strong desire to be a champion.

Potential Marinelli 2006 First Round Picks

TOP FIVE OFFENSIVE LINEMEN:

D'Brickshaw Ferguson (OT) 6'5" 295 lbs - Virginia
Winston Justice (OT) 6'6" 300 lbs - USC
Marcus McNeill (OT) 6'9" 388 lbs - Auburn
Jonathon Scott (OT) 6'7" 310 lbs - Texas
Eric Winston (OT) 6'7" 312 lbs - Miami (FL)

TOP FIVE DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:

Mario Williams (DE) 6'7" 290 lbs - North Carolina State
Haloti Ngata (DT) 6'5" 338 lbs - Oregon
Mathias Kiwanuka (DE) 6'7" 261 lbs - Boston College
Tamba Hall (DE) 6'3" 268 lbs - Penn State
Brodrick Bunkley (DT) 6'3" 284 lbs - Florida State

The three names on these lists who are likely gone by the ninth pick are Ferguson, Williams, and Ngata. Mathias Kiwanuka looks to be valued right around the ninth pick in the draft and could be the Lions choice if they decide to add a pass rushing specialist to the defensive line. If offensive tackle is the target, look for the Lions to make a decision between the talented but raw underclassman Winston Justice from USC or the mamoth Marcus McNeill of Auburn.

Senior Bowls

Your last chance to see the NFL draft prospects is in the Senior bowl games. Two of the lessor games have already been held but two of the biggest are both this Saturday with the Senior Bowl following one week later. These games include:

Cactus Bowl

When: 01/06/2006 (6:35pm)
Where: Kingsville, TX
Website: http://www.cactusbowl.org/
What: The top NCAA Division II players in the nation.

Las Vegas All-American Classic

When: 01/14/2006 (4:30pm)
Where: Las Vegas, NV
Website: http://www.lvaac.com/
What: Graduating seniors playing in a NFL Pro Bowl like event

East-West Shrine

When: 01/21/2006 (4:00pm)
Where: San Antonio, TX
Website: http://www.shrinegame.com/
What: The premeir All-Star game for college football

Hula Bowl

When: 01/21/2006 (7:30pm)
Where: Maui, HI
Website: http://www.hulabowlhawaii.com/
What: This All-Star game in Hawaii is billed as the most "exciting" of them all

Senior Bowl

When: 01/28/2006 (3:00pm)
Where: Mobile, AL
Website: http://www.seniorbowl.com/
What: North and South teams featuring the top NFL draft prospects

List of underclassmen who have declared eligibility for the 2006 NFL Draft

WR Troy Bergeron, Georgia (AFL)
DS Darnell Bing, USC (Jr)
WR Jeremy Bloom, Colorado (So)
RB Cornell Brockington UConn (Jr)
RB Reggie Bush, USC (Jr)
RB Brian Calhoun, Wisconsin (Jr)
CB Antonio Cromartie, Florida State (Jr)
TE Vernon Davis, Maryland (Jr)
RB Maurice Drew, UCLA (Jr)
DE Ray Edwards, Purdue (Jr)
TE Anthony Fasano, Notre Dame (Jr)
CB Charles Gordon, Kansas (Jr)
OT Willie Hall, Middle Tennessee State (Jr)
CB Devin Hester, Miami (Jr)
WR Santonio Holmes, Ohio State (Jr)
WR Chad Jackson, Florida (Jr)
QB Omar Jacobs, Bowling Green (Jr)
CB Johnathan Joseph, South Carolina (Jr)
OT Winston Justice, USC (Jr)
WR Greg Lee, Pittsburgh (Jr)
QB Brandon Kirsch, Purdue (Jr)
CB Danieal Manning, Abilene Christian (Jr)
RB Laurence Maroney, Minnesota (Jr)
CB Richard Marshall, Fresno State (Jr)
CB Derrick Martin, Wyoming (Jr)
OG Fred Matua, USC (Jr)
DT John McCargo, North Carolina State (Jr)
DE Stanley McClover, Auburn (Jr)
DT Tony McDaniel, Tennessee (Jr)
OT Derek Morris, North Carolina State (Jr)
DT Haloti Ngata, Oregon (Jr)
LB Kai Parham, Virginia (Jr)
DS Bernard Pollard, Purdue (Jr)
TE Leonard Pope, Georgia (Jr)
WR Drouzen Quillen, Louisiana-Monroe (Jr)
WR Cory Rogers, TCU (Jr)
LB Ernie Sims, Florida State (Jr)
FS Ko Simpson, South Carolina (So)
WR Daniel Smith, Idahoe (Jr)
OG Rob Smith, Tennessee (Jr)
RB Demetris Summers, South Carolina (So)
LB Paul Szczesny, Arizona State (Jr)
LB Stephen Tulloch, North Carolina State (Jr)
QB Marcus Vick, Virginia Tech (Jr)
CB Dee Webb, Florida (Jr)
RB LenDale White, USC (Jr)
DS Donte Whitner, Ohio State (Jr)
DE Mario Williams, North Carolina State (Jr)
DE Michael Williams, DE Texas College (Jr)
DE Roderkus Wright, Grossman (Junior College)
CB Ashton Youboty, Ohio State (Jr)
QB Vince Young, Texas (Jr)

Purdue QB Kirsch to enter draft

While we have waited and watched for the big name underclassmen like Reggie Bush, Vince Young, and LenDale White declare themselves eligible for the 2006 NFL draft, others like Purdue quarterback Brandon Kirsch also declare themselves eligible, but for very different reasons. Bush and Young will be among the first three players choosen and White is a projected solid first-round selection, all three will be sitting on huge piles of cash soon.

With much less fanfare and a much smaller payday ahead of him, Brandon Kirsch announced Friday that he will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft. Does he think he is ready for the NFL when his coaches didn't think he was even the best option for a starting quarterback at his collage?

Kirsch started the first six games of the 2005 season before being benched in favor of sophomore quarterback Curtis Painter. Kirsch made eight appearances in total for the Boilermakers last year, throwing for 1,727 yards with seven touchdowns and eight interceptions. In addition, he rushed for 198 yards with a touchdown on 48 carries.

"I think it was like going to a theme park and riding a roller coaster all day long," Kirsch said reflecting on his Purdue career. "It was fun, but it didn't take me anywhere. I learned a lot at Purdue, but I had a lot of ups and a lot of downs."

His career at Purdue once looked very promising. As a freshman in 2002, Kirsch put former Purdue quarterback and Chicago Bear rookie quarterback Kyle Orton on the bench for four games. In doing so, he looked amazing at times but was still a freshman prone to make mistakes. In 2003, however, Kirsch was redshirted as Orton took full control of the position. In Orton's 2004 senior season, Kirsch was able to start in two games when Orton went down with an injury. After Orton graduated to the NFL, Kirsch was given the starting position and ready to show what he could do.

But Purdue head coach Joe Tiller had some issues with the junior starting quarterback and not happy with his production, they promoted sophomore Curtis Painter to starting quarterback for the October 22nd matchup against Wisconsin. Tillner wasn't upset to see his backup leave for greener pastures. "I think the NFL is in Brandon's heart, and he should follow his heart," Tiller said.

In total Kirsch started in 12 games at Purdue passing for over 3,500 yards while completing just under 60% of his passes. He finished with 23 passing touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He also rushed for 757 yards and five scores.

Like former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick, Kirsch let his collge situation determine his draft status rather than his projected position. Still he remains optimistic stating, "If there was any time for me to move onto the next level, the best time was going to be now. I'm definitely more marketable than if I had not taken a snap this (next) season." Kirsch also stated, "I went through the evaluation process, talked to a lot of people, and got some good reviews. That made the decision a little easier. I'm excited about the opportunity."

Good luck with your future career Brandon, looks like you will need it. His college coach added, "We wish him the best of luck."

Kirsch joins two other Purdue players who have declared for the 2006 NFL draft, defensive end Ray Edwards and strong safety Bernard Pollard will also be making the leap. He is the fourth underclassmen quarterback to enter the draft along with the previously mentioned Vince Young and Marcus Vick, along with Omar Jacobs of Bowling Green.

Note: Underclassmen have until Sunday (1/15) to delare themselves eligible for the draft. Those who do have until Thursday (1/19) to change their minds.

First Eight Picks A Lock

Now that the bulk of draft eligible players from the NCAA ranks have declared, things are falling into place as to which teams at the top of the draft will take what players. The 2006 NFL Draft promises to be a good one, with depth at the linebacker and offensive tackle positions being excellent. In any given draft, there are usually very few "Blue Chip" prospects. This year, I feel there are more than usual. There are six players that I feel are absolute 'must have' players for just about any team. These players are:

Reggie Bush, Matt Leinhart, Vince Young, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Mario Williams and A.J. Hawk

Keep in mind that things could change based on the possibility of injuries, poor decisions (ie. Marcus Vick) and the emergence of other players in the Combines and/or Pro Day workouts. Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler has been rising up many draft boards, and a good showing at the Senior Bowl could move him into the ranks of the Blue Chippers. Likewise, if Omar Jacobs shows no ill effects of his shoulder injury and throws the ball well at the Bowling Green workouts, he could move up the Wanted lists quite quickly.

However, with all things being what they are right now, I feel that the first six picks will involve the six players I have listed.

Houston takes Reggie Bush
New Orleans takes Matt Leinhart
Tennessee takes Vince Young
New York Jets take D' Brickashaw Ferguson
Green Bay Packers take Mario Williams
San Francisco or Oakland will take A.J. Hawk

After those picks, things get just a bit more murky. Why? If Oakland wins the coin flip and picks Hawk, who will San Francisco chase after? They have a supreme need in their secondary for playmakers. But they also lack a solid pass rush. Do they take Jimmy Williams, Michael Huff or Matthias Kiwanuka? Both Williams and Huff can play either cornerback or safety in the NFL. Both have college experience at the positions. Kiwanuka is still raw, but his talent and upside can't be ignored. However, San Francisco is running a 3-4 now and Kiwi doesn't really fit the profile of a 3-4 DE. Also, the 49ers already have Julian Peterson as their rush linebacker.
However, if San Francisco wins the coin toss and takes Hawk, the Oakland Raiders could take Kiwanuka and replace Bobby Hamilton as one of their defensive ends. But Oakland is expected to let Charles Woodson walk in free agency and that would leave them pretty bare in their secondary. While Fabian Washington played fairly well, he is more of a second corner or nickel player. Nnamdi Asomugha has not developed as the Raiders would have hoped. They are in need of some cover players. The issue is that Kiwanuka is has greater potential to become an elite level player more so than Jimmy Williams or Michael Huff. Also, there is better depth this year at the cornerback position than at the defensive end position. What shall Al Davis do?

After the Bay Area selections are made, Buffalo has to make their decision. They are in the market currently for starting offensive tackles and starting defensive tackles. However, they too could be very interested in Kiwanuka. Buffalo hasn't had an impact defensive end since the hey days of Bruce Smith. Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel aren't exactly pass rushing demons. But Buffalo also had trouble stopping the run, especially in the middle of the line. The departure of Pat Williams last year hurt this team more than they anticipated. They need to replace his run stopping power. Haloti Ngata could be the player to fill that capacity for them. But do they take him or select one of the talented offensive tackles to rebuild their offensive line and protect their young gun slinger J.P. Losman?

There is also the issue of draft trades to be considered. I don't foresee any of the teams in the top seven drafting out of their spots. The Jets are the most likely to move down, but with a new head coach coming in I don't think they will. Since they have picked up an extra fourth round pick from Kansas City, they have no need to try and stockpile even more picks. Besides, Ferguson is not really the type of player you pass on the opportunity to take. Buffalo could be interested in moving down, since in all likelihood there will be teams interested in moving up to have a shot at getting Ngata ahead of Arizona.

The real big question is what will the Lions do? The Lions have needs on both sides of the ball, even if they re-sign Jeff Backus. There is still the issue of the left guard spot. But there is no all dominating Steve Hutchinson style guards available. On defense, the team needs a speed pass rusher (Kiwanuka?), a middle linebacker who can cover, a starter opposite Dre' Bly at cornerback and a free safety with greater range than Terrence Holt. Jimmy Williams or Michael Huff can fill the cornerback or free safety spots.

Most people have lobbied to trade down. I like the idea of this just because the Lions also need depth along the offensive line, linebacker and in the secondary. The Lions are also without their fourth and I anticipate their seventh round picks this year. The fourth was traded in 2005 to New England (which netted us Dan Orlovsky) and our seventh will likely go to the Jets for the Jon McGraw trade prior to the start of the 2005 regular season.

Quantity or quality?

Con"VINCE"d he is ready

Vince Young declared himself eligible for the 2006 draft Sunday, at the top of his game and near the top of most NFL draft boards. His decision shed a small cloud of doubt in his hometown Texans pending decision with the top overall pick in the draft, but Houston will still likely take Reggie Bush. Without Young behind center, Texas is no longer a clear favorite next season and the race for the college football championship is wide open. "I thank God for the opportunity to be in this position," the Heisman runner up and Rose Bowl Offensive-Player-of-the-Game stated. "Hard work has paid off a whole lot."

Young broke an impressive streak of University of Texas players who have bypassed the instant riches of the NFL to remain a Longhorn for their senior seasons. Young was a freshman during Ricky Williams run to the Heisman his senior season. Last year, running back Cedric Benson finished his senior season as Young's backfield mate. Offensive tackles Leonard Davis and Mike Williams stayed. So did cornerback Quentin Jammer and linebacker Derrick Johnson, whom many suspected might be selected by the Lions last year. And one of Young's favorite targets from early in his career, Detroit Lions' wide receiver Roy Williams, also stayed in Austin top play out his final season of eligibility.

The Lions, with a number of other UT players besides Williams including All Pro defensive tackle Shaun Rogers and defensive end Cory Redding, would have been fortunate to add another Longhorn to their roster. After nearly single-handedly leading UT to the National Championship, racking up more than 6,000 passing yards, and more than 3,100 rushing yards during his brief career, Young has cemented his name as the greated quarterback in the history of the school. The man's who legend he surpasses was a gritty quarterback who three for a then school record 3,145 career yards from 1944-47. He was also the Lions last great quarterback - Bobby Layne. For a franchise that has seemed cursed since the hard partying but talented Layne left, perhaps Young would have been the cure.

Players declaring for the NFL Draft on 01/09/06:
Anthony Fasano (TE) Notre Dame
Kai Parham (LB)Virginia
Ernie Sims (LB) Florida State
Ashton Youboly (CB) Ohio State

It has also been reported that South Carolina defensive backs Ko Simpson and Jonathan Joseph will enter the draft.

Vick adds name to early entrant list

Marcus Vick decided to turn pro on Saturday, or perhaps the decision was made for him by Virginia Tech. After stomping on the left calf of Louisville All-America DE Elvis Dumervil in the Gator Bowl, the Hokies kicked Vick off the team on Friday. It only took Marcus one day to decide to make the jump. "I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to proving my athletic ability at the professional level," Vick said in a statement released by his lawyers.

The younger brother of former #1 overall pick Ron Mexico, err Michael, won't go nearly as high as his big brother due to his on and off-the-field antics. Within the last month, his troubles include recently being stopped for driving 38 mph in a 25 mph zone and driving wtih a revoked (or suspended) license. Vick was also kicked out of the program last year after a drug arrest and a conviction for serving alcohol to underage girls.

NFL teams will be intrigued by his skills, bloodline, and college-level results. Vick lead Virginia Tech to and 11-2 record this season and was the first team All-ACC quarterback. A very "high risk high reward" pick in the 2006 draft.

USC running back Reggie Bush hasn't officially declared yet, but that appears a mere formality. All eyes are still on Texas quarterback Vince Young, who should be drafted in the top five should he declare. Also declaring early was UCLA tailback Maurice Drew, an All-America first teamer as an all-purpose player. Drew, who ran for 914 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, has lead the Bruins in rushing the past three seasons.

2006 NFL Draft Early Entrants:

Antonio Cromartie (DB) Florida State
Vernon Davis (TE) Maryland
Maurice Drew (RB/KR) UCLA
Ray Edwards (DE) Purdue
Devin Hester (WR/KR) Miami
Santonio Holmes (WR) Ohio State
Omar Jacobs (QB) Bowling Green
Laurence Maroney (RB) Minnesota
Richard Marshall (CB) Fresno State
Stanley McClover (DE) Auburn
Haloti Ngata (DT) Oregon
Rob Smith (OL) Tennessee
Marcus Vick (QB) Virginia Tech
Mario Williams (DE) NC State

Note: The deadline for underclassmen to delare for the NFL draft is January 15.

List of Scouting Combine Invitees

Quarterbacks Brett Basanez, Northwestern Kellen Clemens, Oregon Brodie Croyle, Alabama Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt Bruce Eugene, Grambling Bruce Gradkowski, Toledo Darrell Hackney, U.A.B. Tavaris Jackson, Alabama St. Matt Leinart, USC Travis Lulay, Montana St. Ingle Martin, Furman Reggie McNeal, Texas A&M Erik Meyer, Eastern Washington Drew Olson, U.C.L.A. Paul Pinegar, Fresno St. Michael Robinson, Penn St. D.J. Shockley, Georgia Brad Smith, Missouri Charlie Whitehurst Running Backs Joseph Addai, L.S.U. Mike Bell, Arizona P.J. Daniels, Georgia Tech Quinton Ganther, Utah Ryan Gilbert, Houston Andre Hall, South Florida Jerome Harrison, Washington St. Taurean Henderson, Texas Tech Cedric Humes, Virginia Tech Wali Lundy, Virginia Wendell Mathis, Fresno St. DonTrell Moore, New Mexico Jerious Norwood, Mississippi St. Gerald Riggs Jr., Tennessee Cory Ross, Nebraska Derrick Ross, Tarleton St. Leon Washington, Florida St. Terrence Whitehead, Oregon DeAngelo Williams, Memphis Fullbacks Matt Bernstein, Wisconsin David Kirtman, USC Naufahu Tahi, B.Y.U. Lawrence Vickers Wide Receivers David Anderson, Colorado St. Devin Aromashodu, Auburn Miles Austin, Monmouth Jason Avant, Michigan Hank Baskett, New Mexico Damarius Bilbo, Georgia Tech Jovon Bouknight, Wyoming Jason Carter, Texas A&M Marques Colston, Hofstra Skyler Green, L.S.U. Derek Hagan, Arizona St. Chris Hannon, Tennessee Mike Hass, Oregon St. Ed Hinkel, Iowa Greg Jennings, Western Michigan Adam Jennings, Fresno St. Sinorice Moss, Miami (FL) Martin Nance, Miami (OH) Ben Obomanu, Auburn Jonathan Orr, Wisconsin Willie Reid, Florida St. Richie Ross, Nebraska-Kearney Clinton Solomon, Iowa Maurice Stovall, Notre Dame Hubert Walker, Central Missouri St. Todd Watkins, B.Y.U. Jeff Webb, San Diego St. Demetrius Williams, Oregon Brandon Williams, Wisconsin Travis Wilson, Oklahoma Tight Ends Troy Bienemann, Washington St. Dominique Byrd, USC Owen Daniels, Wisconsin Charles Davis, Purdue Tim Day, Oregon Daniel Fells, Cal-Davis Jeff King, Virginia Tech Joe Klopfenstein, Colorado Marcedes Lewis, U.C.L.A. Tim Massaquoi, Michigan Garrett Mills, Tulsa Anthony Mix, Auburn Jeff Mullins, Marshall Jason Pociask, Wisconsin Tony Scheffler, Western Michigan Boone Stutz, Texas A&M Quinn Sypniewski, Colorado Gavin Tarquinio, Georgia Tech David Thomas, Texas Cooper Wallace, Auburn T.J. Williams, North Carolina St. Offensive Tackles Brad Butler, Virginia Rashad Butler, Miami (FL) Jeromey Clary, Kansas St. Daryn Colledge, Boise St. Jahri Evans, Bloomsburg St. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia Taitusi Lutui, USC Jimmy Martin, Virginia Tech Marcus McNeill, Auburn Paul McQuistan, Weber St. Ryan O'Callaghan, California Quinn Ojinnaka, Syracuse Donald Penn, Utah St. Terrence Pennington, New Mexico Troy Reddick, Auburn Dennis Roland, Georgia Jonathan Scott, Texas Isaac Sowells, Indiana Adam Stenavich, Michigan Zach Strief, Northwestern Joe Toledo, Washington Michael Toudouze, T.C.U. Jeremy Trueblood, Boston College Stefon Wheeler, Michigan St. Guy Whimper, East Carolina E.J. Whitley, Texas Tech Andrew Whitworth, L.S.U. Eric Winston, Miami (FL) Offensive Guards Kevin Boothe, Cornell Chris Chester, Oklahoma Max-Jean Gilles, Georgia Davin Joseph, Oklahoma Chris Kuper, North Dakota Robin Meadow, Washington Mark Setterstrom, Minnesota Rob Sims, Ohio St. Charles Spencer, Pittsburgh Jason Spitz, Louisville Dan Stevenson, Notre Dame Tony Tella, Miami (FL) Centers Ryan Cook, New Mexico Mike Degory, Florida Greg Eslinger, Minnesota Nick Mangold, Ohio St. Will Montgomery, Virginia Tech Marvin Philip, California Donovan Raiola, Wisconsin Pat Ross, Boston College

Defensive Ends Darrell Adams, Villanova Victor Adeyanju, Indiana Mark Anderson, Alabama Charles Bennett, Clemson Copeland Bryan, Arizona Chris Gocong, Cal-Poly Tamba Hali, Penn St. Parys Haralson, Tennessee Jason Hatcher, Grambling Eric Henderson, Georgia Tech Julian Jenkins, Stanford Charlton Keith, Kansas Mathias Kiwanuka, Boston College Mike Kudla, Ohio St. Ryan LaCasse, Syracuse Manny Lawson, North Carolina St. Jeremy Mincey, Florida Javon Nanton, Miami (FL) Rob Ninkovich, Purdue Matthew Rice, Penn St. Frostee Rucker, USC Darryl Tapp, Virginia Tech Kamerion Wimbley, Florida St. James Wyche, Syracuse Defensive Tackles Titus Adams, Nebraska Sir Henry Anderson, Oregon St. McKinley Boykin, Ole Miss Manaia Brown, B.Y.U. Brodrick Bunkley, Florida St. Barry Cofield, Northwestern Kader Drame, Syracuse Dusty Dvoracek, Oklahoma Kedric Golston, Georgia Marcus Green, Ohio St. Orien Harris, Miami (FL) Tommy Jackson, Auburn Johnny Jolly, Texas A&M Jonathan Lewis, Virginia Tech Jesse Mahelona, Tennessee Melvin Oliver, L.S.U. Babatunde Oshinowo, Stanford Domata Peko, Michigan St. Le Kevin Smith, Nebraska Montavious Stanley, Louisville Gabe Watson, Michigan Kyle Williams, L.S.U. Rodrique Wright, Texas Claude Wroten, L.S.U. Outside Linebackers Jon Alston, Stanford James Anderson, Virginia Tech Bobby Carpenter, Ohio St. Will Derting, Washington St. Elvis Dumervil, Louisville Keith Ellison, Oregon St. Omar Gaither, Tennessee Chad Greenway, Iowa Spencer Havner, U.C.L.A. A.J. Hawk, Ohio St. Thomas Howard, U.T.E.P. Clint Ingram, Oklahoma Brandon Johnson, Louisville Freddie Keiaho, San Diego St. William Kershaw, Maryland Roger McIntosh, Miami (FL) Terna Nande, Miami (OH) A.J. Nicholson, Florida St. DeMeco Ryans, Alabama Cameron Vaughn, L.S.U. Gerris Wilkinson, Georgia Tech Jamar Williams, Arizona St. Antarrious Williams, Auburn Inside Linebackers Trent Bray, Oregon St. Tim Dobbins, Iowa St. Abdul Hodge, Iowa Oliver Hoyte, North Carolina St. D'Qwell Jackson, Maryland Tim McGarigle, Northwestern Freddie Roach, Alabama Dale Robinson, Arizona St. Anthony Schlegel, Ohio St. Kevin Simon, Tennessee Leon Williams, Miami (FL) Cornerbacks Will Blackmon, Boston College Cedric Griffin, Texas Tye Hill, Clemson Reuben Houston, Georgia Tech Darrell Hunter, Miami (OH) David Irons, Auburn Kelly Jennings, Miami (FL) Tim Jennings, Georgia Josh Lay, Pittsburgh Antonio Malone, Toledo Marcus Maxey, Miami (FL) Alton McCann, West Virginia Gerrick McPhearson, Maryland DeMario Minter, Georgia Khalid Naziruddin, Texas Tech Chikioke Onyengecha, Oklahoma Anwar Phillips, Penn St. David Pittman, Northwestern St. Willie Smith, Marshall John Walker, USC Justin Wyatt, USC Alan Zemaitis, Penn St. Safeties Jason Allen, Tennessee Willie Andrews, Baylor Antoine Bethea, Howard Greg Blue, Georgia Darrell Brooks, Arizona Daniel Bullocks, Nebraska Marcus Demps, San Diego St. Reed Doughty, Northern Colorado Roman Harper, Alabama Chris Harrell, Penn St. Jarvis Herring, Florida Marcus Hudson, North Carolina St. Michael Huff, Texas Brian Iwuh, Colorado Dawan Landry, Georgia Tech Calvin Lowry, Penn St. Vincent Meeks, Texas Tech Charlie Peprah, Alabama Nate Salley, Ohio St. Dwayne Slay, Texas Tech Anthony Smith, Syracuse Eric Smith, Michigan St. Scott Ware, USC Pat Watkins, Florida St. Jimmy Williams, Virginia Tech Kickers/Punters Danny Baugher, Arizona Josh Huston, Ohio St. David Lonie, California Tom Malone, USC Thomas Olmstead, Troy St. Sam Paulescu, Oregon St. Ryan Plackemeier, Wake Forest Jon Scifres, Missouri St. Joel Steely, Louisiana-Monroe John Torp, Colorado Steve Weatherford, Illinois

Who is the #1 QB in the Draft Now?

After his incredible Rose Bowl record 467 total yards (267 passing, 200 rushing) and three touchdown performance, including the game winner, in the Rose Bowl Vince Young has made a case for himself being the first quarterback taken in the 2006 draft. In what was labeled as the biggest college football game ever, it was Young outshining the flash of two USC Heisman trophy winners and putting his team on his back in one of the most memorable performances in NCAA football history.

The biggest play on the biggest stage came with 19 seconds left. Facing a 4th-and-5 from the 8, Young dropped back to pass and saw all his receivers covered. Young then scrambled untouched into the corner of the end zone and the Longhorns were #2 no more. For good measure, Young then ran up the middle for a two-point conversion putting Texas up by three with little time left. Texas shocked the #1 Trojans 41-38. “Do whatever it takes,” Young said. That is exactly what he did and then some ending USC’s 34-game winning streak and ending their dreams of an unprecedented third-straight National Championship.

Now the question is - will Vince Young return to Texas or enter the NFL draft? All Young needed to do was look across the sideline at USC quarterback Matt Leinart. Leinart, the sure fire #1 overall pick had he come out last year, returned for his senior senior to win another National Championship and possibly another Heisman. Neither happened. Teammate Reggie Bush walked away with the Heisman, jumped Leinart on most draft boards, and appears to be heading to the Texans with the top overall pick. Now Leinart might not even be the first quarterback taken.

Staying at Texas another year doesn't assure Young will win a Heisman or another National Championship. It also doesn't make Young a lock to be the top quarterback taken in the 2007 draft. Notre Dame's Brady Quinn is well liked by many NFL general managers and looks to go high as well. Staying in school means more scouts will dig even further for Young's flaws, much like they now are saying that Leinart doesn't have a "big" arm. The risk of injury alone should be enough to send Young into this years’ draft, where he is a likely top five pick.

Young put himself on the map with his MVP performance against Michigan in the 2004 Rose Bowl. He cemented himself as one of the greatest college quarterbacks ever with his repeat performance against the two time defending national champions. Young appeared a man among boys going against the Trojan defense and his star shined brighter than that of Leinart or Bush.

So which quarterback will go number one now? Not even the New Orleans Saints have figured that one out. Talking about that Saints, once again if Hanson misses that last second field goal in San Antonio it would be the Lions pondering that question – how fun would that have made the draft?

If only...

Jason Hanson had missed that last second field goal against the Saints the Lions would have finished with a 4-12 record, as would have New Orleans with the win, giving Detroit the #2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft. Detroit would have had the lowest opponents win/loss percentage, moving them to the top of all the four win teams in terms of draft position.

With Houston a sure bet to take Reggie Bush with the top overall pick, Detroit would have had their pick of potential franchise quarterbacks including USC's Matt Leinart. For an organization that has searched for nearly 50 years to find a quarterback and be a serious contender, it is rare that a quarterback comes into the league with Leinart's credentials. A Heisman trophy and potential back-to-back undefeated seasons and National Championships (3 straight National Championships if you include USC's AP National Championship in 2004).

Given the success of the Cincinnati Bengals under former USC quarterback Carson Palmer, it is clear how a true franchise player in the most critical position on the field can turn around the fortunes of a struggling organization.

With a number of teams ahead of them (New Orleans, Tennessee, New York Jet, and Oakland) potentially looking to draft a quarterback, sitting at #9 does not bode well for the Lions in terms of grabbing a "high profile" quarterback to replace the inconsitant Joey Harrington.

Why Jason, why?

2006 NFL Draft Order

# Team W-L (Opponents  W-L %)
1 Houston 2-14 (.535)
2 New Orleans 3-13 (.523)
3 Tennessee 4-12 (.512)
4 New York Jets 4-12 (.527)
5 Green Bay 4-12 (.531)
6 Oakland  4-12 (.539)
7 San Francisco 4-12 (.539)
8 Buffalo 5-11 (.500)
9 Detroit 5-11 (.504)
10 Arizona 5-11 (.508)
11 St. Louis 6-10 (.484)
12 Cleveland 6-10 (.508)
13 Baltimore 6-10 (.523)
14 Philadelphia 6-10 (.531)
15 Atlanta 8-8 (.492)
16 Miami 9-7 (.457)
17 Minnesota 9-7 (.484)
18 Dallas 9-7 (.523)
19 San Diego 9-7 (.559)
20 Kansas City 10-6 (.504)

NOTE: positions 21-32 will be determined by playoff results. The teams in question are (in order of record and strength of schedule):

21 New England 10-6 (.508)
22 Denver (f/WAS) 10-6 (.539)
23 Tampa Bay 11-5 (.449)
24 Carolina 11-5 (.449)
25 Chicago 11-5 (.457)
26 Cincinnati 11-5 (.477)
27 Pittsburgh 11-5 (.492)
27 New York Giants 11-5 (.492)
29 Jacksonville 12-4 (.465)
30 Denver 13-3 (.500)
31 Seattle 13-3 (.430)
32 Indianapolis 14-2 (.457)