DRAFT TRACKER 2009

The fourth Colquitt to punt for the University of Tennessee, Britton has the size, leg strength and refined technique to make a successful transition to the NFL. Scouts will have to weigh that against off-field trouble. That could equate to the former consensus first-team All-SEC punter being relegated to rookie free agent status despite a mid-round grade for talent. Had an arm span of 31 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Foster made North Carolina's basketball team as a walk on in 2005 and played in five games for the eventual national champions. Great things were expected from him on the football field as well as a top recruit from South Carolina, but he did not step into the forefront during his four years in Chapel Hill. He averaged 32 catches for 412 yards and two touchdowns over his career (30-334-2 in 2008), occasionally making a big play but never becoming "the guy." His triangle numbers intrigue scouts, who acknowledge his unique athleticism. Had an arm span of 32 inches and a hand span of 9 5/8 inches at the combine.

Johnson impressed scouts with his coverage skills and speed as a first-year starter in 2007, and showed more of the same as a senior. Although he has not put up great statistics (two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, three tackles for loss), Johnson's slight build hides a perfect cover attitude of "bring it," much like his cousin and former UM corner Kelly Jennings (Seahawks). Johnson's speed allowed him to compete on the Miami track team as a sprinter, and he averaged 8.1 yards on 23 punt returns and 21.7 yards on 15 kickoff returns in 2006.

Pitt coaches love Davis' toughness and versatility. He moved inside to center halfway through his senior season as an injury fill-in after starting 37 straight games at left guard. He did not skip a beat, even earning first team All-Big East accolades. Cousin of Lovell Purnett, who played tight end at West Virginia and the New England Patriots. Had an arm span of 32 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

It will be tough to break into the top tier of safety talent in the 2009 draft, but Spillman has the physical tools to do just that. Last year's second-team All-Conference USA pick was part of 131 tackles (66 solo) and broke up six passes as a junior. Spillman could become one of the "combo" safeties NFL teams are looking for, as he has the toughness to make the hit along with some speed and coverage skills. If he proves this versatility in 2008, avoiding the dreaded "'tweener" label, he could make it into the top three rounds.

A heavily-recruited high school defensive end who quickly made the move to offense, Morrah capitalized on an impressive junior season to declare early for the NFL Draft. As the primary backup behind current Tennessee Titan tight end Craig Stevens in 2007, Morrah caught 13 passes for 155 yards and a score in 2007. After Stevens moved on to the next level, Morrah emerged as one of the best red-zone weapons in the country, scoring eight touchdowns on only 27 receptions. Morrah's decision to leave early was a bit surprising, considering how raw he remains as a blocker, but his size and athletic ability will likely assure him of earning a draft selection - even if it is during the middle to late rounds. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

Munnerlyn started 28 games in three seasons at South Carolina. He's blessed with a rare combination of straight-line speed and agility, plus legitimate cover corner potential. But his lack of size may force him inside. Recognized by conference coaches as a first-team All-SEC cornerback as a true sophomore, opponents rarely challenged his side of the field in 2008. His playmaking ability translated to special teams, where Munnerlyn established himself among the conference's best return specialists.

Scouts have paid a lot of attention to Southern Cal, and that includes Harris, a two-time honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection. He lacks great size, athleticism and interception totals of many of this year's top cornerbacks, but is a tough, physical defender that some scouts feel is among the draft's most underrated at the position. Harris might fit best in the NFL in a zone scheme or even at free safety due to his instincts, toughness and reliable open-field tackling.

While Virginia struggled as a team running the ball in 2008, Peerman's tough, low center of gravity style makes him a valued commodity. The honorable mention All-ACC pick rushed for 774 yards and seven scores while catching 44 passes (for only 193 yards, 4.4 per reception) as a senior. Peerman's biggest contribution as a young NFL player might be on kickoff returns, where he averaged 26.5 yards on 40 attempts in 2005-06 before his touches there were limited by coaches wanting him healthy on offense (and by teams kicking away from him). Peerman was one of the more impressive running backs at the Senior Bowl at times, but a fumble in the game may have confirmed scouts' worst fears. Had an arm span of 31 inches and a hand span of 8 inches at the combine.

Given a second-round grade last year by the NFL Advisory Committee and blessed with a combination of size, route-running and soft hands to emerge as an immediate NFL contributor, Coffman ranks as one of the elite pass-catchers of the 2009 draft. The 2008 Mackey Award winner finished with better production in just his senior campaign (90 receptions for 987 yards and 10 touchdowns) than some of his top-ranked competition enjoyed over their entire career. Despite his eye-popping production, Coffman isn't a player without warts. His already questionable speed has been lessened the past two years due to repeated foot injuries, including the broken toe that could keep him sidelined through the Combine. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 3/4 inches at the combine.

Although Daniel lacks prototypical height, he has not come up short in his production or moxie for the Tigers. The 2007 Heisman finalist was a three-year starter in Missouri's spread offense (which he also ran in high school), completing 68.5 percent of his passes (72.9 percent in 2008) for 12,515 yards and 100 touchdowns. Though he's rarely given credit for his mobility, Daniel also ran for almost 1,000 yards during his career. His pro grade may depend on which film teams use when grading him, as he started off his senior campaign as hot as any quarterback in the country, leading Missouri to as high as a No. 4 ranking by throwing for a staggering 15 touchdowns against only one interception. A tough outing against Oklahoma State (one touchdown, three interceptions) led to a steady decline in consistency and production as the 2008 season wore, culminating in a disappointing week of practice at the East-West Shrine Game. No one can argue with his production, but Daniel's lack of height, arm-strength and ability to rally down the stretch could result in him falling completely out of the draft. Had an arm span of 28 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

He's not as renowned as top prospects Aaron Curry and Alphonso Smith, but Vaughn has quietly ascended NFL draft boards. A two-year starter who earned All-ACC accolades, Vaughn has averaged 90 tackles and has developed a reputation for making big plays in crucial situations. Blessed with rare size and hitting ability, Vaughn is sure to intrigue teams looking for an enforcer and in-the-box presence at safety. Teams hoping to improve their pass coverage, however, might be forced to look elsewhere.

Baker struggled with off-field incidents at Penn State. He was suspended from the team at the end of the 2007 season and finally dismissed from the Nittany Lions in July 2008 after pleading guilty to two counts of misdemeanor assault and criminal trespass following two fights in 2007. He received two years of probation. Baker showed versatility playing at defensive end in a 3-4 after starting the year at nose tackle for Hampton. He earned first-team All-MEAC honors with 62 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. Baker and his family decided it was time to leave the Pirates after his redshirt junior season, but character concerns follow him into the NFL.

Overshadowed throughout his career by teammate Michael Hamlin, Clemons' consistency in coverage might actually make him the safer NFL prospect. A three-year starter for the Tigers who leaves with 323 career tackles, 20 passes broken up and five interceptions, Clemons' production warrants a closer look. If he can prove his speed in workouts, Clemons' could surprise as a second-day defender capable of contributing immediately.

One of the better stories in college football, Ogbonnaya finally got his chance to shine after Jamaal Charles declared for the 2008 draft. He entered his senior season having carried the ball only 66 times in three years and switching from tailback to receiver and back multiple times. In Texas' Colt McCoy-driven offense (the quarterback was the leading passer and rusher), Ogbonnaya only managed 73 rushes for 373 yards and four scores n 2008, but his 46 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns also caught scouts' eyes. His play on coverage units also makes him a draft-able prospect. Had an arm span of 31 5/8 inches and a hand span of 9 7/8 inches at the combine.

Starting opposite playmakers Dwight Lowery and Coye Francies throughout his career, opponents frequently targeted Owens over the past three years. The constant attention has made Owens one of the more mentally tough corners in the draft. Owens is smaller than scouts would like but is physical in both coverage and in run support. He has the speed and agility to run with receivers and can make plays on the ball with 20 career pass breakups and 13 interceptions. Owens' size limits his ability in jump-ball situations, but with his quickness and tenacity, Owens could provide good value as a nickel or dime cornerback on the second day of the draft.

Wells' size, strength, vision, balance and acceleration provides a very rare combination. Talent, however, does not necessarily translate into production, which is the dilemma facing every NFL team with an opportunity to draft Wells this April. The top prep running back in the country, Wells signed with Ohio State and enjoyed immediate success despite sharing the workload, rushing for 576 yards and seven touchdowns despite no starts. He emerged as a dominant force a year later, earning All-American and consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors with an eye-popping 1,609 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in his first season as a starter. A foot injury against Youngstown State robbed Wells of a chance for greater success in 2008, but he still earned second-team accolades after rushing for another 1,197 yards in only 10 games. Had an arm span of 33 5/8 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

While teammates Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing certainly earned more attention throughout their respective careers, it is the former walk-on Matthews Jr. who some scouts feel ultimately could be the best of the bunch. Considering he came to USC as a 166-pound linebacker and tight end with only Idaho offering him a D-I scholarship, his rise to stardom has been remarkable. A special teams standout early in his career, Matthews didn't emerge as a starter until three games into his senior campaign. Showing burst off the snap as a hybrid defensive end and surprising fluidity and instincts in coverage, Matthews posted 56 tackles and finished third on the team in tackles for loss (9.5) and second in sacks (4.5). A strong performance at the Senior Bowl had scouts buzzing about his upside, especially considering his family's gridiron success. Considering he has only started 10 games over his career, there isn't a prospect in the country who can match Matthews' meteoric rise up draft boards this year.

It took Chris Long leaving for Sintim to finally start to get the attention he deserves. Despite posting 78 tackles and nine sacks in 2007, Sintim didn't earn any conference honors as a junior. Even after finishing second only to Florida State's Everette Brown with 13 sacks on the season -- and leading the entire country in sacks by a linebacker -- Sintim earned second-team All-ACC accolades. NFL scouts appreciate Sintim's unique skill set. While not fluid enough to project as well in the 4-3, Sintim's burst upfield as a rush linebacker make him a first-day possibility for 3-4 defenses.

Brown performed consistently at defensive end, but will likely move to linebacker in the pros. His athleticism should allow him to make a successful transition. Denied all-Big East honors in 2007, despite 16.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, because of the talent in the conference. Conference coaches were right to acknowledge his 2008 production, however, and did so, granting Brown first-team accolades after his 55 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and five forced fumbles made him arguably the conference's most explosive defender. Brown wasn't asked to take part in linebacker drills while at the Senior Bowl, but showed the quick feet and change-of-direction agility teams want to see. Brown could quietly rise up draft boards as the draft approaches.

Arrived in Lincoln as a highly touted running back and is leaving a linebacker with NFL potential. He switched positions in the spring of 2008 after struggling through leg and foot injuries for 18 months. Despite his lack of experience, he earned the starting nod on the weak side and showed himself to have the mentality to play at a high level on defense. He even played in the middle during the season. His senior season did not go exactly to plan, as he played only nine games due to a suspension for violating team rules. In that time he made 51 tackles, six for loss and had four pass breakups, causing scouts to wonder what he might become with more experience.

It was fair for fans and media to wonder why the Bearcats would switch their top tight end (31-399-2 in '07) to the defensive line. It didn't take long for an answer as to what coaches saw in practice and on special teams -- that he has tight end speed and defender's mentality. The first-team All-Big East end jumped up draft boards early in the season and finished with 15.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and seven pass breakups. Barwin is a Mike Vrabel clone, a probable end-linebacker-goal line tight end who will impact games in multiple ways.

Lost to a torn ACL in August, Ingram presents an intriguing option for teams willing to gamble a mid-round pick on an athletic receiving specialist in the mode of Dallas Clark or Vernon Davis. Before the injury, Ingram ranked as one of the elite athletes in a strong crop of senior tight ends. With no remaining eligibility for a redshirt, however, he'll have to prove healthy enough for teams to warrant using a draft pick. The second-team All-SEC pick caught 34 passes for 508 yards (a stellar 14.9-yard average) and seven touchdowns in 2007 and appeared poised to at least match these numbers as a senior before the injury. Unable to play in 2008, Ingram has instead focused on his rehabilitation. If he can prove his health, he'll join an ever-growing line of receiving tight ends who NFL offensive coordinators hope can cause matchup problems with linebackers and safeties. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 3/4 inches at the combine.

The success former Tennessee State standout Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie enjoyed as a rookie for the Arizona Cardinals gave reason for scouts to take a closer look at the Tigers' roster. And Lewis is no stranger to the big time, having started three games as a true freshman for Florida State. Lewis resurfaced with Tennessee State, starting at right tackle in 2007 and earning second-team Ohio Valley Conference honors. Lewis made the switch to left tackle as a senior and was recognized with first-team accolades. Most scouts feel he'll be better served inside at guard in the NFL, at least initially. Arms measured 33 1/2 and hands 9 5/8 at combine.

Thrust into the starting lineup after a knee injury ended teammate Jeff Owens' 2008 season, Irvin posted 34 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for loss, in a breakout senior season. The junior college transfer from Georgia Military College parlayed his first season as a starter into an invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he showed enough improvement over the course of the week to register as a second-day developmental prospect.

Greene was a first-team All-Big East pick in 2008 after twice earning second-team All-Big East notice and also Freshman All-American honors. He's been exceptionally durable, starting 51 straight games during his career. A tackling machine, Greene eclipsed 100 stops twice in his first three years as a starter at both the free and strong safety spots. His production dropped a bit this season (87 tackles, one for loss, two INTs), but his blend of size and speed could be enough to make him a top-75 pick.

A standout at the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl, Francies' long, lean frame and pure athleticism make him arguably the most underrated cornerback in the draft. An All-American at American River (Calif.) College who intercepted 11 passes in 2005, Francies transferred to OSU and established himself as one of the top young cornerbacks (three starts, one INT, four forced fumbles) and kick returners (22.4-yard average) in the conference. Francies later transferred to San Jose State, where after sitting out a year due to the NCAA imposed transfer rules, he started as a senior and promptly earned second-team All-WAC honors with 69 tackles and three interceptions. Scouts will certainly point out that he has only one full season of D-I experience, but his tools will likely be too much for teams to ignore on draft day.

Blessed with first-round caliber arm strength, Painter was considered a top 100 prospect coming off an honorable mention All-Big Ten junior season (3,846 yards, 29 touchdowns, 11 interceptions). But like other senior quarterbacks in this draft, he struggled with consistency in 2008. Painter completed just under 60 percent of his passes for 2,400 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, getting pulled in one game and missing all or part of three others with a separated right shoulder. Although his arm and size are what scouts look for, most wonder how Painter can succeed in the NFL if he couldn't be efficient in Purdue's spread offense. His inability to handle pressure -- whether in the form of the blitz or in big-game situations -- raises questions about his ability to handle the mental pressure of the NFL. Had an arm span of 33 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Taylor replaced All-American LaRon Landry in 2007 and proved capable of handling the challenge, posting 54 tackles and three interceptions. His production dropped in 2008 (43 tackles, one for loss, two INT), partially because he missed three starts due to injury but also because his inconsistent play allowed younger players to earn playing time late in the season.

Moore might join QB Jay Cutler and OT Chris Williams as recent first-round picks from Vanderbilt, a school not known as a hotbed of elite prospects. Named to the freshman All-SEC team after working his way into the starting lineup in his first season, Moore exploded onto the scene in 2007 with 83 tackles, six interceptions and averaging 25.7 yards on kickoff returns. He made his second consecutive appearance on the first-team All-SEC squad in 2008 after making five more picks and showed versatility as a runner (76 yards), receiver (143 yards, two touchdowns) and returner (247 yards on punt, 407 on kickoffs). His athleticism and instincts put him in the top tier of corner prospects in this draft.

Few players can make the claim that they played as many positions during their collegiate career as they have letters in their first and last names combined, but Gay could be the exception. A defensive tackle his first two seasons, Gay switched to offensive guard in 2006 and went on to start the next three years alternating between every offensive line position with the exception of center. A 10-game starter at right guard in 2006, Gay primarily played right tackle as a junior, but also started one game at left guard and five at left tackle due to an injury to top 10 prospect Jason Smith. Gay's versatility was once again put to the test in 2008, when he primarily started at right tackle but was moved as needed. Gay lacks Smith's athleticism and upside, but on the second day of the draft the two-time honorable mention All-Big 12 pick's versatility and durability is sure to earn him consideration. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 1/2 inches at the combine.

The Gronkowski family is full of athletes. Dan is one of five brothers, including the Arizona Wildcats' Chris and Rob (a junior who earned consensus All-Pac-10 accolades in 2008). Their father, Gordie Sr., played on the offensive line at Syracuse. Dan's older brother, Chris, played three years in the California Angels organization. Despite starting 17 games in 2006-07, Gronkowski was primarily used as a blocker early in his career, catching only 11 passes for 114 yards during that time. Though his senior numbers were far from eye-popping (29-287-3), scouts felt he emerged in 2008 and league coaches agreed, awarding him honorable mention All-ACC honors. Gronkowksi's size, blocking skills and ability to move the chains could make him a solid reserve tight end in the NFL. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 1/2 inches at the combine.

Exploded onto the scene in 2007, going from a backup weak-side linebacker who finished the 2006 season with seven total tackles to a second-team All-SEC pick in leading the team with 93 tackles and finishing second with 12 tackles for loss. He started at each of the three linebacker positions in 2007 and was credited by some for having a similar lightning-rod affect on the Georgia defense that running back Knowshon Moreno had on the offense. Ellerbe's 2008 season was a complete reversal. A knee sprain knocked him out of three games and limited him in many others and Ellerbe finished with only 33 tackles. Ellerbe popped off the film in 2007, but with only one season as a standout, NFL clubs will hesitate to invest anything higher than a middle-round pick.

Playing defense in the Big 12 is no easy task -- neither is playing against the Raiders' offense every day in practice. McBath has the versatility and confidence to star in the secondary. He was a first-team All-Big 12 safety and made plays against the pass (six interceptions, three against Kansas) and the run (70 tackles) as a senior. He earned all-conference accolades in his sophomore and junior seasons, totaling 148 tackles and five picks in 2006 and '07.

A preseason Outland Trophy candidate, Scott was a microcosm of the entire Clemson program, struggling amid heightened expectations to start the season before picking up his play later in the season. It is easy to see why expectations were high for Scott, considering he had averaged 50 tackles and four sacks as a sophomore and junior. As a senior, his numbers fell with his draft stock. But his frame and Clemson's reputation for churning out NFL-caliber defensive linemen, a mid-round selection remains a possibility if Scott can convince scouts in interviews that his disappointing 2008 campaign was more aberration than trend.

Even with Connecticut's ascent as a prominent program, the number of players the program is producing might be surprising to those outside the conference. While running back Donald Brown is a known prospect, Butler is likely to be the first UConn player drafted in 2009, despite the fact that he missed the team's final two regular-season games with a knee injury. The four-year starter and two-year captain is athletic enough to project to a man or zone scheme and answered scouts' concerns about his recovery with a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Butler wasn't often challenged in 2008 and he finished without an interception. Conference coaches elected the versatile playmaker a first-team all-conference selection and Butler has proven his takeaway ability in the past, recording 10 interceptions over his first three seasons. Butler's uncle, Gene Atkins, played in the NFL and his cousin is Baltimore Ravens' running back Willis McGahee.

Coaches told Heyward-Bey after spring practice of his redshirt-freshman season that he might want to consider doing something else with his time at Maryland. A track star with nice size who played high school football to make friends, Heyward-Bey has certainly improved since that meeting, but is by no means a polished receiver. He had the worst production of his career in 2008 after averaging 49 catches for 740 yards and four scores his first two seasons, but was still honorable mention All-ACC after leading the Terps in receiving (42-609-5). It was not all his doing, however, as Maryland's entire offense was very inconsistent and defenses were wise to simply double the Terps' big-play threat. For all of the hype surrounding this year's other playmakers, no other receiver in the 2009 draft can match Heyward-Bey's combination of size and speed. Whether that combination will ever translate into his becoming Pro Bowl-caliber playmaker, however, is the significant boom or bust gamble teams will be forced to make on draft day. Had an arm span of 33 5/8 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

A physical run-stuffing middle linebacker, Beckwith played in the shadow of LSU's other defensive stalwarts, but quietly was voted by league coaches a second-team All-SEC pick in 2007. Although his numbers were down while playing in 10 games due to yet another knee injury (51 tackles, one for loss) in 2008, he made second-team All-SEC (media). Experienced at weak-side and middle linebacker for the Tigers, Beckwith's NFL future lies in the middle.

A three-year starter who isn't as flashy as the other Georgia Tech senior defensive linemen, but ACC coaches named him second-team all-conference with 10 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2008. Given the desperate need for linemen in the NFL, Richard's size, strength and intelligence up front will be coveted. Redshirted his second season (2005) due to reconstructive surgery on his right knee after coming on strong as a true freshman starter.

Bruton flashed as a playmaker in his first season as a starter in 2007, when he had 85 tackles, three interceptions and 4.5 tackles for loss. His production increased in some ways during his senior year (91 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles), but his overall play did not result in Notre Dame's defensive improvement. A team captain, he has the size, speed and athleticism to potentially be a good starter and very good special teams player at the next level.

NFL scouts are intrigued by Buehler's physical talent but how quickly he was able to acclimate to the pressure that comes with kicking for a prime program like USC after transferring from Santa Ana Junior College might be even more of an attention-grabber. He earned all-conference notice after his two starting seasons with the Trojans, including the first-team All-Pac-10 spot as a senior. Scouts view Buehler as an ascending prospect. However, the fact that he ended the regular season missing three field goals against rival UCLA won't be overlooked. Had an arm span of 30 1/4 inches and a hand span of 8 1/2 inches at the combine.

Johnson's statistics did not put him on any All-American teams, but his 22 receptions in 2008 went for 356 yards (an excellent 16.2-yard average) and five touchdowns and he did make second-team All-Sun Belt. The combination of his blocking and receiving skills is what puts him among this year's best senior H-back prospects. Texas A&M found out his value as a blocker in the Red Wolves' shocking September upset in College Station. Had an arm span of 33 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 3/4 inches at the combine.

Despite the Spartans' lack of national attention from the media, Richmond certainly caught the attention of opposing defenses with nearly 50 more receptions than San Jose State's next most productive receiver. Finishing with 72 receptions for 832 yards and seven touchdowns earned the Richmond second-team All-WAC honors. Richmond, who only began playing football at Santa Ana Junior College, is as raw as they come but has the size and tools to warrant a second-day pick and development. Had an arm span of 33 3/8 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Veikune, not Hawaii's offense, drew scouts to the islands last season. He put himself on the draft radar with six tackles, one for loss, against Florida the first week of the season. The second-team All-WAC pick (2007 first-team) finished with 73 tackles, 16.5 for loss, nine sacks and four forced fumbles. Veikune may not look like a track star at the Combine, but he certainly earned scouts' respect with his strength, hustle and determination.