October 8, 2009

What are your thoughts on Dez Bryant? How might his draft stock be affected now that he has been suspended?

Ryan
Nashua, NH

     For those who don’t know Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant was recently ruled ineligible by the NCAA, although it sounds like he will probably return at some point later this season. Technically the only thing Bryant did wrong was lie to the NCAA about his relationship and visits with retired star Deion Sanders and Oklahoma State is already working towards getting him reinstated.

     However, even if Bryant never plays another snap of college football he has already done enough to solidify himself as one of the top prospects available for the 2010 NFL Draft. The uber-productive Bryant really is the total package with an elite blend of size, athleticism, hands, ball skills, leaping ability and running skills. Not only is Bryant right on par with Michael Crabtree as a pro prospect but many feel he is even better. Assuming Bryant goes pro after his junior season, as expected, he will be the best wide receiver available and a Top 10 overall pick.

- Scott Wright, Draft Countdown

Who are the best offensive guard prospects and where are they likely to be selected in the draft?

Scott
Redwood City, CA

     Offensive tackles are always a hot commodity on Draft Day but interior lineman are often afterthoughts. There was a three-year span from 2005-2007 where a true offensive guard was taken in the first round of each draft (Logan Mankins in ’05, Davin Joseph in ’06 and Ben Grubbs in ’07) but since then there has been a drought that isn’t likely to end in 2010. The top senior guard in this class is Idaho’s Mike Iupati and he will likely be a second or third round pick. Next would be Utah’s Zane Beadles, who plays tackle in college but will likely shift inside at the next level, and he projects as a third round pick. Some are high on Alabama’s Mike Johnson and he is in the mix as well, although in my opinion he is overrated. Keep an eye on Arizona State’s Shawn Lauvao too because he is generating a lot of positive commentary and really moving up draft boards. In terms of the underclassmen, Florida’s Mike Pouncey could compete to be the first interior blocker selected in the second round if he opted to come out early.

- Scott Wright, Draft Countdown

Since my Rams are a lock for the first overall pick I am already looking at their options. I don't think Sam Bradford is going to be worthy of that pick so I'm hoping they go with Gerald McCoy. If so, I had questions about some second or third round quarterbacks. Can you give me an NFL comparison for Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour and Cincinnati's Tony Pike? Where do you think they will go?

Shane
Rochester, NY

     I’d like to say things aren’t that bad in St. Louis but I’d be lying. In fact, the Rams are the worst team I’ve seen this season and by a wide margin. There is still a lot of season left and just one or two wins could prevent the Rams from getting the first pick but if they do end up in the top spot I think they have to go with a quarterback. Sure you could make a case for Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy or Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh but ultimately this is their opportunity to address the most important position in the game and that has to be their top priority.

     I too have my doubts about Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford but when push comes to shove it still sounds like he will be the first signal caller selected, although Washington’s Jake Locker or Notre Dame’s Jimmy Clausen could give him a run for his money. Cincinnati’s Tony Pike is one of the hottest prospects in the country right now and could be in the second or third round mix when all is said and done. Physically Pike has everything you look for and he is still coming into his own with this being his first full season as a starter. I would maybe compare Pike to Jason Campbell when he was coming out of Auburn. As for Dan LeFevour, he is a great college player but extremely overrated as a pro prospect. Considering his poor arm strength and lack of experience in a pro style system he is a mid or late round pick in my opinion. In some ways LeFevour is this year’s Graham Harrell and he could face a similar Draft Day fate. Colt McCoy of Texas and Tim Tebow of Florida could be possibilities at the top of round two as well. However, I would once again caution fans about getting too excited about second and third round quarterbacks and recommend everyone reads the article I wrote on the topic.

- Scott Wright, Draft Countdown

How do you think Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor stacks up to similar quarterbacks at this stage of his career, mainly Vince Young? I personally think Pryor is lightyears ahead of where Young was throwing the ball at the same age!

JR
Columbus, OH

     Terrelle Pryor has drawn comparisons to Vince Young since his prep days and, at least physically, they are indeed strikingly similar. Unfortunately being compared to Vince Young might be both a blessing and a curse these days. Is Pryor destined to become a great college player but struggle in the pros like Young has?

     Pryor is ahead of where Young was at the same stage of their development but that is almost by default since he is already in his second season as a starter. Remember, Young redshirted his first year at Texas and spent the next season in a rotation with Chance Mock before ultimately assuming the starting job in year three. There is no questioning Pryor’s size (6-6, 235), speed and freakish athleticism but he still has a long ways to go as a passer. Like most young quarterbacks Pryor has had his fair share of struggles but he has loads of upside and 2 ½ more years to refine his game. Personally, I don’t consider Pryor to be an elite pro prospect at this point but he certainly has the potential to become one in time.

- Scott Wright, Draft Countdown