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Big 12 Conference Prospect Preview
by Pete Dymeck, Pro Draft Guide
5/27/2008
While the Big 12 has produced elite prospect after elite prospect, one has to wonder when its well will dry up. Since 2002, the Big 12 conference has seen 10
prospects get drafted within the first ten picks of the draft. It appears that the well dried up in 2008 as zero Big 12 prospects were drafted in the top ten. As a matter
of fact, it wasn’t until the 20th overall selection where CB Aqib Talib was drafted by Tampa Bay. Talib, of course, was the outstanding ballhawk from Kansas but
even he came with some extra baggage. Regardless, the Big 12 could be back to reigning supreme over the draft landscape with prospects like OG Duke
Robinson and S William Moore. This proud conference, since 2002, has produced the likes of S Roy Williams (Oklahoma, 2002), WR Roy Williams (Texas, 2004),
QB Vince Young (Texas, 2006), and RB Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma, 2007). While what we may expect could turn out to be a bit different between now and April of
2009, one thing is for sure – The Big 12 is loaded with senior talent. An influx of underclassmen usually buries seniors on draft boards but in the Big 12, the
seniors rule the roost.
1.) S William Moore (Missouri)
Moore is a huge defensive back with top-notch quickness. He has the type of footwork scouts rave about as
they bounce around from one college campus to another. In 2007, William Moore was tied a top the NCAA
pyramid with eight interceptions. Add in the fact that he played nearly half of the season with a torn labrum
which wasn’t repaired until after the bowl season. Despite missing spring practices due to his torn labrum
surgery, Moore has his sights on another productive college campaign. If Moore continues to distinguish
himself from this already deep class of senior safeties, he could be looking at a top ten selection next
April. With those regards, Moore has more buzz around him this early into the 2008 collegiate campaign
than former LSU S LaRon Landry had coming into his final season with the Bayou Bengals. When it
comes to tackling, this Missouri Tiger has the science down to a “t.” He delivers powerful blows but will
get down to the basics and wrap up offenders by the ankles. Moore weighs in at 230 lbs. but stands proud
at 6’1”. A prospect with the size and frame of Moore may be considered from the outside as a bit sluggish
but Moore is expected to be able to run a sub-4.55 forty come February.
2.) OG Duke Robinson (Oklahoma)
Duke Robinson is the grandson of the great musician Smokey Robinson. At 6’5”, 325 lbs., Robinson can
brag about his toughness in the trenches. When he first came to Oklahoma, Robinson weighed nearly 25
lbs. more than he does now. Through hard work and dedication, Robinson trimmed a lot of that excess fat by hitting the track and the weights. As far as technique,
Robinson has it. He gets great leverage and plays at a very good pad level. While Robinson is far more efficient in the rushing department, he still provides a
valuable set of skills in passer protection. His footwork will need improved though. This Oklahoma Sooner is a guaranteed first round selection, amidst a group of
talented offensive linemen. While his upside at the tackle position is limited, Robinson still has some room to grow but he is no Branden Albert by any means. A
productive season from RBs DeMarco Murray & Chris Brown could pave the way for Robinson to crack the top 15 of next year’s draft. He will need to prove that he
can stay conditioned beyond one year though and improve on his footwork.
3.) OT Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma)
This Oklahoma Sooner is built like an oil rig. Loadholt is the prototypical, wide-framed offensive lineman that coaches like Andy Reid and Bill Belichick pursue. He
will not help out the offensive line in a zone blocking scheme but can deliver a powerful blow against smaller defensive linemen. He could be a nuisance to a
team with a shorter quarterback because of his size. At 6’8”, 330 lbs., Loadholt carries a lot of weight but his ability to pummel defensive ends into the dirt create
quite a stir amongst us scouts when we watch film on this kid. In all actuality, Loadholt and Robinson (mentioned above) may form the best tandem of offensive
linemen we have ever seen on tape. While other OTs like Michael Oher may get more love from the press, Loadholt is the type of humble yet nasty prospect that
could start at left tackle on Sunday’s tomorrow if he had the chance. One of the main reasons he stuck around at Oklahoma was to win a national title. As he holds
down the left side of the line, the Sooners will have that opportunity. Due to his size, it would be an embarrassment if he didn’t get great leverage or maintain a
healthy center of balance in the trenches. Of course he does that well but how quick will he be against the Jared Allen’s and Mario Williams’ of the NFL?
4.) TE Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma State)
Brandon Pettigrew is lucky to still be a Cowboy after numerous off-the-field incidents almost put his future NFL career on hold. We may be fools for ranking
Pettigrew this high, knowing darn well that another hiccup on campus could cost him his scholarship and future on Sunday’s but this 6’6”, 260 lbs. senior TE is
just too talented to pass up. Catch some film of this kid and you will see a combination of Kellen Winslow athletic ability and Antonio Gates’ essence on the field.
His size and demeanor is intimidating enough. Plus, with Pettigrew, you get the total package. Pettigrew is an effective run blocker plus he buries defenders while
downfield blocking. The Oklahoma State Cowboys need to keep Pettigrew on the field and off of the beat report because he has a very bright future. Keep an eye
on his assault and battery cases as they are sure to negatively affect his stock. When we compare him to Jason Witten, we are not joking. Pettigrew, despite his
size, may near Vernon Davis numbers at the combine next year. Will he follow in the footsteps of former Cowboy WR Adarius Bowman? Let’s hope not.
5.) WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
The first of the underclassmen to touch our list is this talented playmaker from the Red Raiders. Crabtree, a draft-eligible redshirt sophomore crushed record
books as a redshirt freshman last year. Check out these numbers: 134 receptions, 1,962 yards, and 22 touchdowns. One could argue that these insane numbers
are due to the system he plays in but that argument will get knocked down very quickly because Crabtree could have played for any program he wanted to when
coming out of high school – He simply chose Texas Tech. This former elite high school prospect could be higher on this list but incoming rookie WRs rarely have
such a large impact right away so we are always tempted to downplay their value modestly. Crabtree will be even more enticing when workouts come around, if
he declares for the draft, because he has elite timed speed. At 6’3”, 208 lbs., this Dallas, TX native could storm up draft boards and join WRs Calvin Johnson &
Braylon Edwards as the only WRs to be top 5 draft picks in the last five drafts.
6.) DE Ian Campbell (Kansas State)
In a year where defensive ends will be at a premium, one guy to keep your eye on is Ian Campbell. In 2007, this Wildcat churned out an average season but in
2007, he was playing outside linebacker. As a sophomore in 2006, while playing defensive end, Campbell accumulated 11.5
sacks compared to his 4.5 sacks in 2007 while playing OLB. In 2008, Campbell will be switched back to his natural position
of DE. While his physical traits may not be as outlandish as former Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston’s, Campbell’s skill set
mirrors that of Gholston’s. For comparison’s sake, Campbell has seen his name thrown around with the Chris Long’s and
Mario Williams’ of the world. There is no problem being grouped with those guys but Campbell is actually much quicker and
explosive, one of the reasons he was tried out at OLB. Any team that is looking for help in their 3-4 scheme would be glad to
bring aboard Campbell. His shuttle times may not be tantalizing but his sideline to sideline speed is more than adequate.
7.) S Nic Harris (Oklahoma)
This Louisiana native is tall at 6’3” but comes with a nice build (230 lbs.). While some have compared him to the Cowboys’
Roy Williams, we must disagree because Roy Williams has a better burst and more motion at the hips than Harris. Nic
Harris brings a lot of talent to the table though. Last year, he had only 2 interceptions but grabbed 9.5 tackles for a loss and
3.5 sacks. His timed speed will be marginal plus he could learn to run better with his long stride but Harris would be an
ideal fit for a Tampa-2 style defense. Watching him on film is like watching the Colts’ S Bob Sanders, despite the size
difference. Harris has a nose for the pigskin. He uses his feet very well and is instinctive against the pass. While he likes to
knock down passes and make a play for the interception, we did see Harris get burnt on many occasions in 2007, most
notably against Texas Tech and West Virginia. Finally, Harris brings an odd aspect into the game because he has the build
of a linebacker but the “on the field” speed of a cornerback. Remember, former Michigan CB Leon Hall posted terrible
numbers at the combine but was still a first round pick. Harris still has some room to improve on but the first round is not out of question. What will determine the
round he gets selected is his dedication to improve on his weak areas, most notably his knack for attempting to make a big play and reading the offense.
8.) LB Sean Witherspoon (Missouri)
Witherspoon, an underclassmen middle linebacker suffered a setback through spring practices with injuries but this junior is poised to have more of an impact
on Saturday’s in 2008. In 2007, this 6’1”, 230 lbs. Jasper, TX native racked up 127 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, and 3 sacks for a Missouri Tiger defense
that dominated the former Big 8. Witherspoon has a nice frame to his body but could do more to add some bulk. He is not very quick but will get the sure tackle.
Witherspoon has solid lateral movement and can do well for himself by dropping into zone coverage (8 batted passes in 2007). Will Witherspoon be a three-
technique linebacker? We don’t know yet. When we watch him on film, we see that he has a good motor and never takes plays off but at times he plays at a shifty
pad level. While LBs often become devalued on draft day, Witherspoon, if he even declares, has the potential to move into the second round if he can improve on
his awareness and athleticism.
9.) QB Chase Daniel (Missouri)
Don’t knock the short guys. Chase Daniel has been a winner on every level of football he has played on. This 6’0”, 220 lbs. Texas native plays with an audacity of
courage. Daniel knows how to buy time with the pocket collapsing, thanks to his Steve Young-like maneuverability, plus his arm is stronger than most would
assume. He has the right technique but his throwing motion can be variable at times. In 2007, Daniel completed nearly 69% of his passes for 4,306 yards, 33
touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in just 14 games. He even scrambled for more than 250 yards and 4 scores. While his size may deter teams from taking a flier
on him early on, Daniel could provide a spark for a drought-ridden franchise on the mend due to their signal caller concerns in the middle rounds of the draft. In
2008, when you watch Daniel play, you will think of the former Brigham Young QB Steve Young, we guarantee it. Sure, some small QBs have a hard time adjusting
to the bigger and stronger play of NFL Sunday’s but Drew Brees and Donovan McNabb have found a way to succeed so look for Daniel to find a way, whether he
gets an opportunity to start in 2009, 2010, or 2011.
10.) RB Marlon Lucky (Nebraska)
Marlon Lucky’s unconceivable flight through obscurity must end now. Pessimists say that he is an I-back, doubters blame the system, but realists recognize his
ability to make plays in a sub-par west coast offense. In 2007, Lucky rushed for 1,019 yards and 9 touchdowns but that isn’t the bright spot for this senior RB. Last
year alone, he hauled in 75 receptions for 705 yards and 3 trips to the pay-dirt. At 6’0”, 210 lbs., Lucky has the ideal size and bulk that we scouts are looking for in
a ball carrier. He doesn’t have too many miles on his tires but his yards per carry does level out somewhat as the game continues on into the fourth quarter. He is
a bona fide top five pick amongst his position of senior RBs but the outstanding corps of underclassmen could push his value into the middle rounds. Lucky will
also have to limit his number of carries below 210 in 2008 as we think he may be maxing out his adequate mileage by surpassing that number. Don’t count out
Lucky because he will have the opportunity to make a move towards the first round in Joseph Addai-fashion by squashing the naysayers in 2008. Lastly, did we
mention that he even threw a touchdown pass in 2007?
The thought of leaving QB Sam Bradford from Oklahoma off of this list may give us headaches but nightmares of Bradford becoming the next QB Jason White,
albeit more mobile, keep rehashing. Also, underclassman WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri), senior TE Chase Coffman (Missouri), senior DE Brian Orapko (Texas),
and senior QB Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) almost made the cut. The bottom line is that the Big 12 is loaded with talent. This conference alone may have the
best crop of offensive linemen in 2009. We touched bases on Duke Robinson and Phil Loadholt but didn’t even have the time to mention seniors Cedric Dockery
(Texas), Louis Vasquez (Texas Tech), Lydon Murtha (Nebraska), Rylan Reed (Texas Tech), Brandon Walker (Oklahoma), Jason Smith (Baylor), Adrian Mayes
(Kansas), and Ryan Miller (Colorado). All of the aforementioned offensive linemen are expected to be drafted next April. If that wasn’t eye popping enough,
consider the fact that the following prospects have a good shot of improving their draft value by next April: Doug Dedrick (Iowa State), Travis Schneider (Texas
A&M), Chet Hartley (Kansas), Colin Brown (Missouri), and Jon Cooper (Oklahoma). Amazingly enough, one Pittsburgh Steelers’ scout deemed the 2008 offensive
line class as the deepest the draft has seen in 25 years. He may have to utter that statement again, only in 2009.
by Pete Dymeck, Pro Draft Guide
5/27/2008
While the Big 12 has produced elite prospect after elite prospect, one has to wonder when its well will dry up. Since 2002, the Big 12 conference has seen 10
prospects get drafted within the first ten picks of the draft. It appears that the well dried up in 2008 as zero Big 12 prospects were drafted in the top ten. As a matter
of fact, it wasn’t until the 20th overall selection where CB Aqib Talib was drafted by Tampa Bay. Talib, of course, was the outstanding ballhawk from Kansas but
even he came with some extra baggage. Regardless, the Big 12 could be back to reigning supreme over the draft landscape with prospects like OG Duke
Robinson and S William Moore. This proud conference, since 2002, has produced the likes of S Roy Williams (Oklahoma, 2002), WR Roy Williams (Texas, 2004),
QB Vince Young (Texas, 2006), and RB Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma, 2007). While what we may expect could turn out to be a bit different between now and April of
2009, one thing is for sure – The Big 12 is loaded with senior talent. An influx of underclassmen usually buries seniors on draft boards but in the Big 12, the
seniors rule the roost.
1.) S William Moore (Missouri)
Moore is a huge defensive back with top-notch quickness. He has the type of footwork scouts rave about as
they bounce around from one college campus to another. In 2007, William Moore was tied a top the NCAA
pyramid with eight interceptions. Add in the fact that he played nearly half of the season with a torn labrum
which wasn’t repaired until after the bowl season. Despite missing spring practices due to his torn labrum
surgery, Moore has his sights on another productive college campaign. If Moore continues to distinguish
himself from this already deep class of senior safeties, he could be looking at a top ten selection next
April. With those regards, Moore has more buzz around him this early into the 2008 collegiate campaign
than former LSU S LaRon Landry had coming into his final season with the Bayou Bengals. When it
comes to tackling, this Missouri Tiger has the science down to a “t.” He delivers powerful blows but will
get down to the basics and wrap up offenders by the ankles. Moore weighs in at 230 lbs. but stands proud
at 6’1”. A prospect with the size and frame of Moore may be considered from the outside as a bit sluggish
but Moore is expected to be able to run a sub-4.55 forty come February.
2.) OG Duke Robinson (Oklahoma)
Duke Robinson is the grandson of the great musician Smokey Robinson. At 6’5”, 325 lbs., Robinson can
brag about his toughness in the trenches. When he first came to Oklahoma, Robinson weighed nearly 25
lbs. more than he does now. Through hard work and dedication, Robinson trimmed a lot of that excess fat by hitting the track and the weights. As far as technique,
Robinson has it. He gets great leverage and plays at a very good pad level. While Robinson is far more efficient in the rushing department, he still provides a
valuable set of skills in passer protection. His footwork will need improved though. This Oklahoma Sooner is a guaranteed first round selection, amidst a group of
talented offensive linemen. While his upside at the tackle position is limited, Robinson still has some room to grow but he is no Branden Albert by any means. A
productive season from RBs DeMarco Murray & Chris Brown could pave the way for Robinson to crack the top 15 of next year’s draft. He will need to prove that he
can stay conditioned beyond one year though and improve on his footwork.
3.) OT Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma)
This Oklahoma Sooner is built like an oil rig. Loadholt is the prototypical, wide-framed offensive lineman that coaches like Andy Reid and Bill Belichick pursue. He
will not help out the offensive line in a zone blocking scheme but can deliver a powerful blow against smaller defensive linemen. He could be a nuisance to a
team with a shorter quarterback because of his size. At 6’8”, 330 lbs., Loadholt carries a lot of weight but his ability to pummel defensive ends into the dirt create
quite a stir amongst us scouts when we watch film on this kid. In all actuality, Loadholt and Robinson (mentioned above) may form the best tandem of offensive
linemen we have ever seen on tape. While other OTs like Michael Oher may get more love from the press, Loadholt is the type of humble yet nasty prospect that
could start at left tackle on Sunday’s tomorrow if he had the chance. One of the main reasons he stuck around at Oklahoma was to win a national title. As he holds
down the left side of the line, the Sooners will have that opportunity. Due to his size, it would be an embarrassment if he didn’t get great leverage or maintain a
healthy center of balance in the trenches. Of course he does that well but how quick will he be against the Jared Allen’s and Mario Williams’ of the NFL?
4.) TE Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma State)
Brandon Pettigrew is lucky to still be a Cowboy after numerous off-the-field incidents almost put his future NFL career on hold. We may be fools for ranking
Pettigrew this high, knowing darn well that another hiccup on campus could cost him his scholarship and future on Sunday’s but this 6’6”, 260 lbs. senior TE is
just too talented to pass up. Catch some film of this kid and you will see a combination of Kellen Winslow athletic ability and Antonio Gates’ essence on the field.
His size and demeanor is intimidating enough. Plus, with Pettigrew, you get the total package. Pettigrew is an effective run blocker plus he buries defenders while
downfield blocking. The Oklahoma State Cowboys need to keep Pettigrew on the field and off of the beat report because he has a very bright future. Keep an eye
on his assault and battery cases as they are sure to negatively affect his stock. When we compare him to Jason Witten, we are not joking. Pettigrew, despite his
size, may near Vernon Davis numbers at the combine next year. Will he follow in the footsteps of former Cowboy WR Adarius Bowman? Let’s hope not.
5.) WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
The first of the underclassmen to touch our list is this talented playmaker from the Red Raiders. Crabtree, a draft-eligible redshirt sophomore crushed record
books as a redshirt freshman last year. Check out these numbers: 134 receptions, 1,962 yards, and 22 touchdowns. One could argue that these insane numbers
are due to the system he plays in but that argument will get knocked down very quickly because Crabtree could have played for any program he wanted to when
coming out of high school – He simply chose Texas Tech. This former elite high school prospect could be higher on this list but incoming rookie WRs rarely have
such a large impact right away so we are always tempted to downplay their value modestly. Crabtree will be even more enticing when workouts come around, if
he declares for the draft, because he has elite timed speed. At 6’3”, 208 lbs., this Dallas, TX native could storm up draft boards and join WRs Calvin Johnson &
Braylon Edwards as the only WRs to be top 5 draft picks in the last five drafts.
6.) DE Ian Campbell (Kansas State)
In a year where defensive ends will be at a premium, one guy to keep your eye on is Ian Campbell. In 2007, this Wildcat churned out an average season but in
2007, he was playing outside linebacker. As a sophomore in 2006, while playing defensive end, Campbell accumulated 11.5
sacks compared to his 4.5 sacks in 2007 while playing OLB. In 2008, Campbell will be switched back to his natural position
of DE. While his physical traits may not be as outlandish as former Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston’s, Campbell’s skill set
mirrors that of Gholston’s. For comparison’s sake, Campbell has seen his name thrown around with the Chris Long’s and
Mario Williams’ of the world. There is no problem being grouped with those guys but Campbell is actually much quicker and
explosive, one of the reasons he was tried out at OLB. Any team that is looking for help in their 3-4 scheme would be glad to
bring aboard Campbell. His shuttle times may not be tantalizing but his sideline to sideline speed is more than adequate.
7.) S Nic Harris (Oklahoma)
This Louisiana native is tall at 6’3” but comes with a nice build (230 lbs.). While some have compared him to the Cowboys’
Roy Williams, we must disagree because Roy Williams has a better burst and more motion at the hips than Harris. Nic
Harris brings a lot of talent to the table though. Last year, he had only 2 interceptions but grabbed 9.5 tackles for a loss and
3.5 sacks. His timed speed will be marginal plus he could learn to run better with his long stride but Harris would be an
ideal fit for a Tampa-2 style defense. Watching him on film is like watching the Colts’ S Bob Sanders, despite the size
difference. Harris has a nose for the pigskin. He uses his feet very well and is instinctive against the pass. While he likes to
knock down passes and make a play for the interception, we did see Harris get burnt on many occasions in 2007, most
notably against Texas Tech and West Virginia. Finally, Harris brings an odd aspect into the game because he has the build
of a linebacker but the “on the field” speed of a cornerback. Remember, former Michigan CB Leon Hall posted terrible
numbers at the combine but was still a first round pick. Harris still has some room to improve on but the first round is not out of question. What will determine the
round he gets selected is his dedication to improve on his weak areas, most notably his knack for attempting to make a big play and reading the offense.
8.) LB Sean Witherspoon (Missouri)
Witherspoon, an underclassmen middle linebacker suffered a setback through spring practices with injuries but this junior is poised to have more of an impact
on Saturday’s in 2008. In 2007, this 6’1”, 230 lbs. Jasper, TX native racked up 127 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, and 3 sacks for a Missouri Tiger defense
that dominated the former Big 8. Witherspoon has a nice frame to his body but could do more to add some bulk. He is not very quick but will get the sure tackle.
Witherspoon has solid lateral movement and can do well for himself by dropping into zone coverage (8 batted passes in 2007). Will Witherspoon be a three-
technique linebacker? We don’t know yet. When we watch him on film, we see that he has a good motor and never takes plays off but at times he plays at a shifty
pad level. While LBs often become devalued on draft day, Witherspoon, if he even declares, has the potential to move into the second round if he can improve on
his awareness and athleticism.
9.) QB Chase Daniel (Missouri)
Don’t knock the short guys. Chase Daniel has been a winner on every level of football he has played on. This 6’0”, 220 lbs. Texas native plays with an audacity of
courage. Daniel knows how to buy time with the pocket collapsing, thanks to his Steve Young-like maneuverability, plus his arm is stronger than most would
assume. He has the right technique but his throwing motion can be variable at times. In 2007, Daniel completed nearly 69% of his passes for 4,306 yards, 33
touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in just 14 games. He even scrambled for more than 250 yards and 4 scores. While his size may deter teams from taking a flier
on him early on, Daniel could provide a spark for a drought-ridden franchise on the mend due to their signal caller concerns in the middle rounds of the draft. In
2008, when you watch Daniel play, you will think of the former Brigham Young QB Steve Young, we guarantee it. Sure, some small QBs have a hard time adjusting
to the bigger and stronger play of NFL Sunday’s but Drew Brees and Donovan McNabb have found a way to succeed so look for Daniel to find a way, whether he
gets an opportunity to start in 2009, 2010, or 2011.
10.) RB Marlon Lucky (Nebraska)
Marlon Lucky’s unconceivable flight through obscurity must end now. Pessimists say that he is an I-back, doubters blame the system, but realists recognize his
ability to make plays in a sub-par west coast offense. In 2007, Lucky rushed for 1,019 yards and 9 touchdowns but that isn’t the bright spot for this senior RB. Last
year alone, he hauled in 75 receptions for 705 yards and 3 trips to the pay-dirt. At 6’0”, 210 lbs., Lucky has the ideal size and bulk that we scouts are looking for in
a ball carrier. He doesn’t have too many miles on his tires but his yards per carry does level out somewhat as the game continues on into the fourth quarter. He is
a bona fide top five pick amongst his position of senior RBs but the outstanding corps of underclassmen could push his value into the middle rounds. Lucky will
also have to limit his number of carries below 210 in 2008 as we think he may be maxing out his adequate mileage by surpassing that number. Don’t count out
Lucky because he will have the opportunity to make a move towards the first round in Joseph Addai-fashion by squashing the naysayers in 2008. Lastly, did we
mention that he even threw a touchdown pass in 2007?
The thought of leaving QB Sam Bradford from Oklahoma off of this list may give us headaches but nightmares of Bradford becoming the next QB Jason White,
albeit more mobile, keep rehashing. Also, underclassman WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri), senior TE Chase Coffman (Missouri), senior DE Brian Orapko (Texas),
and senior QB Graham Harrell (Texas Tech) almost made the cut. The bottom line is that the Big 12 is loaded with talent. This conference alone may have the
best crop of offensive linemen in 2009. We touched bases on Duke Robinson and Phil Loadholt but didn’t even have the time to mention seniors Cedric Dockery
(Texas), Louis Vasquez (Texas Tech), Lydon Murtha (Nebraska), Rylan Reed (Texas Tech), Brandon Walker (Oklahoma), Jason Smith (Baylor), Adrian Mayes
(Kansas), and Ryan Miller (Colorado). All of the aforementioned offensive linemen are expected to be drafted next April. If that wasn’t eye popping enough,
consider the fact that the following prospects have a good shot of improving their draft value by next April: Doug Dedrick (Iowa State), Travis Schneider (Texas
A&M), Chet Hartley (Kansas), Colin Brown (Missouri), and Jon Cooper (Oklahoma). Amazingly enough, one Pittsburgh Steelers’ scout deemed the 2008 offensive
line class as the deepest the draft has seen in 25 years. He may have to utter that statement again, only in 2009.
