In the year 2007, and 18 year olds have played professional basketball, baseball, and in sports such as soccer, tennis, and golf, athletes have played professionally as early as 14 years old. Let’s imagine for a second, that the NFL relaxed its strict draft rules and allowed high schoolers to enter the NFL Draft. What if the league then instituted a MLB-like minor league system for these players to train in, until they’re ready? Well, that time has come, so welcome to the 1st
Sure it’s long so to condense it we’ll just call it the NFL’s Early Entry Draft. Set just a week before the NFL Draft, this unpredictable draft process, could potentially shape up the next week’s NFL Draft. As most first’s are the kinks still have to be worked out, however, the influx of talent from what would be 2009, 2010, and 2011 NFL Draft selections will make this one of the strongest fields ever. After complaints that lottery teams would get high draft picks in both drafts, the National Football League made a decision. “For the sake of competitive advantage, the picks are flip-flopped from the order of the NFL Draft, therefore the Super Bowl champion Colts are on the clock with the 1st pick.” Here comes NFL commissioner Roger Goodell:
1) Indianapolis - LB, Tray Blackmon (Auburn)-
2) Chicago - QB, Jimmy Clausen (HS) There is no doubt that Clausen is the top high schooler in this draft and possibly the most highly touted high school quarterback since John Elway. Clausen’s arm strength, accuracy, and incredible decision making make him an obvious answer for the Bears offensive woes. Of all the high school athletes Clausen is the most NFL-ready. Senior Year: 3,428 yards and 49 TD's
3) San Diego (14-2) – WR, DeSean Jackson (Cal, So.) The beauty of this concept is a 14-2 playoff team finding a player who fills it’s most pressing need. Though he needs to fill out his 165 lb. frame just a bit, he’ll give the Chargers a much needed impact receiver with a Hester-like (yes he is now an adjective) threat on special teams as a bonus.
4) Baltimore (13-3) - RB, Steve Slaton (West Virginia, So.) Could vie with Jackson to be the quickest impact rookie out of minor league after the release of Jamal Lewis. He has superstar written all over him with a skill set comparable to a young Marshall Faulk. Sophomore Stats: 1,744 yards, 7.0 ypc, 16 touchdowns, 27 catches, 360 yards, 2 touchdowns
5) New England (12-4) - WR, Mario Manningham (Michigan, SO.) speedy receiver who should provide Tom Brady with a legit threat at the receiver position since the trade of Deion Branch. Sophomore Stats: 38 catches, 703 yards, 9 touchdowns
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6) New Orleans (10-6) - DT, Derrick Harvey (Florida, Fr.)
7) Philadelphia (10-6) - RB/WR, Joe McKnight (HS) McKnight is exceptionally explosive and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball on offense, defense or special teams. McKnight is a tough runner who will lower his shoulder on contact. He always keeps his feet moving and will pick up the tough yards after contact. As a receiver, he has big-play ability and can take a short gain and turn it into a long one with his quickness and explosiveness. After a few minor league seasons he has the potential to be a rich mans Brian Westbrook. Senior Stats: 45 carries for 709 yards & 14 touchdowns, 24 receptions for 735 yards & 13 TD’s.
8) NY Jets (10-6) - RB, Darren McFadden (Arkansas, So.)With the imminent demise and retirement of Curtis Martin just around the corner, McFadden can fill the void at running back for New York’s other team. Sophomore Stats: 1,649 rush yards, 15 touchdowns
9) New England (from Seattle) (9-7) - S, Myron Rolle (Florida St., Fr.) As a high school senior Rolle was ranked as the #1 athlete and name the Gatorade National Defensive Player of the Year. This guy has the total package; size, speed, athleticism, toughness and versatility. He’ll probably be the successor to Rodney Harrison at safety. Freshman stats: 77 tackles, 1 INT
10) Kansas City (9-7) - WR, Jarrett Dillard (Rice, So.) As a sophomore at Rice, Dillard broke records set by Jerry Rice that many believed could never be touched. With that in mind hopefully he can follow in Rice’s footsteps and help solve the Chiefs lack of depth at the wide receiver position. Sophomore Stats: 91 catches, 1,247 yards, 21 touchdowns
11) Dallas (9-7) - WR, Terrance Toliver (HS) Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn can’t maintain their productivity forever, so there is no better time than today to begin grooming their replacements. At 6-4, Toliver has explosive athleticism and a skill set comparable to a taller Ted Ginn Jr . He has long arms and impressive leaping ability which allow him to come up with a lot of loose balls.
12) Denver (9-7) - RB, Ray Rice (Rutgers, So.) Sophomore Stats: 1,794 yards, 20 touchdowns
13) NY Giants (8-8) - RB, C.J. Spiller (Clemson, Fr.) After the long anticipated retirement of Tiki Barber, the Giants need a tailback to share carries with Brandon Jacobs. C.J. Spiller is an explosive all-purpose back similar to Steve Slaton, who is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Spiller will be comfortable sharing carries because he did the same at Clemson with James Davis. Spiller + Jacobs= Thunder & Lightning 2. Freshman stats: 936 yards, 10 touchdowns.
14) Tennessee (8-8) - WR, Percy Harvin (Florida, Fr.) Harvin has exceptional quickness, explosion and speed. Shows great burst in and out of his cuts and runs very good routes. Has exceptional burst and gets to top speed in a hurry with little to no wasted motion. Is capable of getting behind defenses and outrunning defenders in the open field. Has excellent body control and will go up and catch the ball at its highest point. Has the potential to develop into a Steve Smith type receiver while in the minor league.
15) Cincinnati (8-8) - OLB, Chris Galippo (HS) He’s been likened to Brian Urlacher and A.J. Hawk and has the ability to play either inside or outside linebacker. Galippo will be expected to fill the void left by injured linebacker David Pollack. Senior Year: 92 tackles, 17 TFL, 6 sacks, 2 blocked kicks, 1 interception,
16) Jacksonville (8-8) - QB, Tim Tebow (Florida, Fr.) Wasn’t allowed to show much as a freshman in the passing game, however, ebow is a southpaw quarterback with outstanding ability as both a passer and a runner. He displays outstanding pocket presence and has the lateral movement to buy time in the pocket. He is dangerous when out of the pocket because he can make all the throws against his body, yet beat you with his feet. Perfect for the Jaguars because he’s reminiscent of Mark Brunell; Byron Leftwich with speed; David Gerrard more arm strength. In his senior season of high school passed for 4,286 passing yards, almost 1300 rushing yards and accounted for 70 TD’s (46 passing, 24 rushing). Tebow finished his high school career with 9,810 passing yards, 3,186 rushing yards, 95 passing touchdowns and 62 rushing touchdowns. He’s the type of player who becomes either a bust or a superstar. Freshman stats: 358 pass yd.s, 5 TD’s, 66.7% 469 rushing yards, 8 TD’s
17) Green Bay (8-8) - QB, Colt McCoy (Texas, So.) R. Freshman stats: 2,570 pass yards, 29 touchdowns
18) Pittsburgh (8-8) - S, Kenny Phillips (Miami, Fl.) Having Phillips opposite Polamalu in the Steelers 3-4 defense makes the secondary even more dangerous.
19) Carolina (8-8) - QB, Matthew Stafford (UGA, Fr.) Lets face it Delhomme is getting older, quickly. Unlike many quarterbacks with Stafford’s gunslinger mentality, Stafford has the arm strength to make the big plays. Though young, he’ll need to develop an understanding of when he should and should not take the same chances he made as freshman at UGA. And has the potential to be a clone of Brett Favre.
20) St. Louis (8-8) - WR, Arrelious Benn (HS) #1 wide receiver recruit, who can learn from Torry Holt and replace the ageless Isaac Bruce.
21) Buffalo (7-9) - OT, Sam Young (Notre Dame, Fr.)
22) San Fransisco (7-9) - ATH/WR, John Chiles (HS)
23) Atlanta (7-9) - OT, Andre Smith (Alabama, Fr.) With the Falcons transitioning back to larger offensive linemen, this promising young offensive lineman is too tempting to pass up for one of the Falcons biggest needs, a dominant offensive line.
24) Miami (6-10) - LB, Sergio Kindle (Texas, Fr.) Kindle will be called upon to eventually replace the aging Dolphins legend Zach Thomas.
25) Houston (6-10) - RB, Noel Devine (HS) Last season after passing on Reggie Bush in the 2005 NFL Draft, the Texans backfield was cluttered by a running-by-committee which failed miserably. However, the Texans receive redemption thanks to ‘Devine’ intervention. Though small in stature, Devine compensates with never before seen athleticism rivaling the aforementioned Bush and Barry Sanders. If Adrian Peterson drops to the 8th pick as expected, the Texans could one day feature the most intriguing backfield in NFL history. Senior Year: 2,148 yards, 30 TD’s
26) Minnesota (6-10) - CB, Justin King (Penn State, So.) promising corner who can help shore up their 32nd ranked passing defense.
27) Washington (5-11) - DE, Corey Wooten (Northwestern, Fr.) explosive pass rusher for a team which ranked last in the NFL in sacks is a great addition. #1 defensive end in this draft.
28) Arizona (5-11) - OT, Jared Gaither (Maryland)
29) Tampa Bay (4-12) - QB, Bobby Reid (Oklahoma St., So.) At the rate he is developing as a passer, combined with his great scrambling ability, Reid would have been a top 10 NFL Draft selection in one or two years. Now he’ll provide Tampa Bay with a McNabb-like talent at quarterback that they’ve lacked even in their Super Bowl season.
Sophomore Stats: 2266 passing yards, 24 TD’s; 500 rush yards, 5 TD’s
30) Cleveland (4-12) - QB, Ryan Mallet (HS) At 6’6 Mallet has the size and the strong arm to develop into the first “franchise” quarterback for the Browns in their dismal team history. Senior Year: 2,766 yards and 41 touchdowns
31) Detroit (3-13) - S, Taylor Mays (USC, Fr.) Taylor Mays is fast enough to run with receivers downfield, has the height and jumping ability to compete for jump balls and has the strength to muscle receivers out of their routes He’s a threat to return any interception for a touchdown and rarely misses open-field tackles. He’ll replace Pro Bowl safety Dre Bly who is asking to be traded. Freshman stats:
32) Oakland (2-14) – RB, James Davis (Clemson, So.) Sophomore Stats: 1187 yards, 17 TD’s
33) Indianapolis- DT, Marvin Austin (HS) The #1 ranked high school defensive tackle already has the size to play in the NFL. Expected to help bandage the Colt’s issues with their run defense. They’ll need him to replace Corey Simon. Senior Stats: 85 tackles and 17 sacks.
34) Chicago - TE, Brandon Warren, (Florida St.) Freshman stats:
35) San Diego (14-2) - S, Marcus McNeil (HS) McNeil is a strong, physical ballhawking safety and will intimidate receivers over the middle. McNeil is also an excellent blitzer which makes him a perfect fit for the Chargers sack happy defense. He still has some developing to do however, his attributes are reminiscent of another big hitting safety from the Chargers recent past named Rodney Harrison.
36) Baltimore (13-3) - QB, Pat White (West Virginia, So.) A risky selection here but the addition of White to the Ravens offense could bring an interesting dynamic. Along with college teammate Steve Slaton, the Ravens hit the jackpot giving them the opportunity to feature one of the most exciting offenses in NFL. Of course only after White learns under the tutelage of veteran quarterback Steve McNair will he be able to become an effective playmaker in the vertical game. Sophomore Stats: 1,655 pass yards, 13 touchdowns, 1,219 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns
37) New England (12-4) - LB, James Laurinaitis (Ohio St., So.)
38) New Orleans (10-6) - CB, Eric Berry (HS) Berry is an incredible athlete with the combination of size and speed to become an elite NFL cornerback someday.
39) Philadelphia (10-6) - S, Marshall Jones (HS) The Eagles will bring him in to eventually replace All-Eagles safety Dawkins.
Senior Year: Jones intercepted five passes for 219 yards, recovered one fumble and recorded 71 tackles
40) NY Jets (10-6) - QB, Willy Korn (HS) For the third straight offeseason the rumors have swirled about Pennington’s future as the starting quarterback for the Jets. Though Korn is a few years from becoming a starting quarterback in the NFL, he has a strong accurate arm with good speed scrambling with the football. The sand in the hourglass is disappearing for Pennington.
41) New England (from Seattle) (9-7) - DE, Martez Wilson (HS) It’s about time the Patriots decided to address their aging defense. While he needs to add bulk to his frame to play defensive end, Wilson is freakishly athletic and simply explodes past offensive linemen off the edge. Senior Stats: 240 tackles, 7 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovered; 42 Catches/1005 yards/9 TDs
42) Kansas City (9-7) - QB, John Brantley (HS)
43) Dallas (9-7) - DE, Everson Griffin (HS) Griffin is a freakishly athletic defensive end. He is tremendously fast for his size and has a great first step.
44) Denver (9-7) - DT, Calais Campbell (Miami, Fl., So.)
45) NY Giants (8-8) - WR, Davone Bess (Hawaii, So.)
Sophomore Stats: 96 receptions, 1220 yards 15 TD’s
46) Tennessee (8-8) - RB, Jonathan Stewart (Oregon, So.) Sophomore Stats: 960 yards, 10 TD’s, 5.6 ypc
47) Cincinnati (8-8) - LB, Micah Johnson (Kentucky, Fr.) Freshman stats:
48) Jacksonville (8-8) OT, Tray Allen (HS) A dominant offensive lineman in the mold of Tony Boselli and probably the most upside of any lineman in the draft. Allen is great in pass protection and a dominant run blocker.
49) Green Bay (8-8) - RB, Chris Wells (Ohio St., Fr.) Freshman stats:
50) Pittsburgh (8-8) - RB, P.J. Hill (Wisconsin, So.) After losing Jerome Bettis to retirement, the Steelers lacked a physical bruiser at running back to complement the speedy Willie Parker. Enter P.J. Hill, a 6 foot 2, 240 pound running back in the mold of Ron Dayne to help carry the load.
51) Carolina (8-8) – DE, Carlos Dunlap (HS) Following the retirement of defensive end Mike Rucker, Dunlap will be prepped to lineup on the other side of Julius Peppers. Senior stats: 105 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and 24 sacks.
52) St. Louis (8-8) – QB, Chase Holbrook (New Mexico St. So.)
53) Buffalo (7-9) - RB, Felix Jones (Arkansas, So.) Sophomore Stats: 1168 yards, 6 TD’s
54) San Francisco (7-9) - DT, D.J. Stafford (HS)
55) Atlanta (7-9) - RB, Marc Tyler (HS) Could someday fill the void left by T.J. Duckett as a power runner.
56) Miami (6-10) - WR Fred Rouse (*Florida St., So.) Freshman stats:
57) Houston (6-10) - QB, Aaron Corp (HS) The Texans will use this pick as an insurance policy, just in case the Carr Experiment suffers another season of setbacks.
58) Minnesota (6-10) - QB, Tyrod Taylor (HS) upgrade it with a running quarterback, though he will still need to develop as a passer. Taylor is the second ranked high school quarterback with blazing speed and talent similar to Atlanta’s Mike Vick.
59) Washington (5-11) - LB, Prince Hall (Alabama, Fr.)
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62) Cleveland (4-12) - RB, Jason Gwaltney (*
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