DRAFT TRACKER 2009

Drew took advantage of ECU's climb to national prominence early in the season to improve his draft stock. The honorable mention All-Conference USA pick is an ideal H-back candidate because of his size and receiving skills (43 catches for 695 yards and three scores). Came to college a successful high school quarterback out of North Carolina and played quarterback his first two seasons at ECU, so he's still learning his new position. Scouts think his best football is yet to come. Had an arm span of 34 1/8 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

Wright finished his distinguished career earning second-team All-Mountain West honors while playing through pain most of the season. A factor in coverage since his freshman season, he had 10 career interceptions and 25 pass breakups for the Lobos. Despite that production, Wright's durability is a major concern for scouts because of his slight frame and postseason surgeries on both shoulders.

Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly had one of the best cornerback duos in the country in Smith and Mike Mickens. Smith shared the national lead with eight interceptions in 2007, eventually forcing quarterback to re-consider throwing away from the more heralded Mickens. Followed it up with another solid season as a senior, racking up 68 tackles, two interceptions and 10 pass breakups. NFL defenses relying on zone schemes see him as a good fit.

Scouts consider Levy a good second-day prospect at strong-side linebacker. The 2008 honorable mention All-Big Ten pick isn't a flashy playmaker (although he did have 193 tackles, 26.5 for loss and 14 sacks the past three years), but does all of the little things well. His speed is underrated, and that athleticism will endear him to teams come campus workout time.

Byrd signed with LSU as one of the elite JUCO prospects in the country. He led the team with seven touchdown receptions in his first season, six of which came against elite SEC competition. But Byrd's senior season was a bit disappointing, as he failed to step up in the primary receiver role (37 receptions for 499 yards and four touchdowns). His value appears to be as a complementary receiver at the next level. Had an arm span of 33 3/8 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Butler is another of the Penn State senior receivers who have contributed since arriving at Happy Valley. Butler led the team with 47 receptions for 810 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008, becoming the big-play receiver for QB Daryll Clark and being named second-team All-Big Ten by the media. The four-year starter averaged 44 catches for 654 yards and five scores entering the season, so his senior year was no accident. Butler's lack of size concerns scouts a bit, but teams will be knocking on his door if he goes undrafted. Had an arm span of 31 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

A durable, consistent performer with the size and strength to compete on a rotational basis in the NFL, Walker started his career at Illinois with a bang, emerging as a redshirt freshman in 2005 to finish with 26 tackles and second on the team with six tackles for loss. Even after three seasons as a starter, Walker remains essentially the same player. While blessed with good size, strength and a nonstop motor, Walker lacks suddenness off the snap and struggles to consistently make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He enjoyed the finest statistical season of his career as a senior and was honorable mention All-Big Ten, but his 33 tackles, seven tackles for loss and six sacks were only slightly better than the numbers he put up in 2005.

Williams' excellent athleticism and NFL body may make him a potential playmaker at the next level, but his inconsistent production makes scouts wonder what type of player he will become. His 40 catches for 451 yards and three touchdowns in 2008 are not those of an elite receiver. However, he also ran for 226 yards and three scores and returned 655 yards and three touchdowns on the year, earning first team All-Big 10 honors. Williams showed that all-purpose game throughout his four-year career and should continue it at the next level. Had an arm span of 31 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Edison has been a consistent performer for the Lumberjacks since his freshman season, gaining more than 500 yards each of his first three seasons and scoring 10 times. But his productivity jumped into the stratosphere in 2008 (67 catches, 1,106 yards, 18 scores), as did his NFL draft stock. Unlike many small-school receiver prospects, this first-team All-Southland Conference selection has the size/speed combination to be more than just a complementary weapon. Had an arm span of 32 1/2 inches and a hand span of 8 1/2 inches at the combine.

Comparisons will be made to 2008 first-round pick Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie -- both are tall, thin and play for FCS teams. Johnson isn't quite the prospect that DRC was, although his ability warrants top-100 consideration. He transferred from Missouri after starting four games (and missing five with a knee injury) as a redshirt sophomore in 2006 because his coach reportedly questioned his dedication. A 2008 first-team All-SWAC pick, he intercepted 10 passes and deflected 27 for JSU the past two seasons. Because teams do not challenge Johnson much on the outside, he played some free safety to take advantage of his playmaking ability. Did not play his senior year in high school because he transferred from Texas City to LaMarque.

Carey will be one of draftable cornerback prospects unearthed from outside the Football Bowl Subdivision. A four-year starter, he was second-team All-MEAC as a junior and was named on the first team in 2008. He accumulated eight interceptions and 14 pass breakups over those two seasons. An excellent student, Carey turned down a chance to attend Yale because it was cost prohibitive. His play at the East-West Shrine practices earned him a lot of credibility among scouts.

Brown doesn't have any special measurements that stand out to scouts, but it's hard to think of something he can't do. His early entry into the draft came after leading the nation with 2,083 rushing yards and scoring 18 touchdowns as a junior, including a huge 261-yard effort as the 2009 International Bowl MVP. He was named an All-American and the Big East Offensive Player of the Year for his efforts. That total was more than the combined 1,717 yards in his first two seasons while working in a platoon system with the talented Andre Dixon (who suffered a 2008 preseason injury to open the door for Brown) in 2007 and taking over for star back Terry Caulley as a redshirt freshman. The fact that others have enjoyed so much success under head coach Randy Edsall is one of the key questions scouts are seeking to answer. Brown's production, like Central Florida's Kevin Smith last year, is undeniable, but considering the success of past UConn backs -- and their subsequent lack of success in the NFL -- Brown will have his doubters on draft day. Had an arm span of 31 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Washington elected to leave with another year of eligibility remaining, surprising scouts who felt he had an opportunity to prove himself in 2009. In reality, Washington has legitimate NFL talent and is hardly inexperienced -- starting 32 games for the Buckeyes. Despite opposing quarterbacks focusing on his side of the field rather than attack Michael Jenkins, Washington struggled to make game-changing plays throughout his career, intercepting only two passes. Washington is expected to get a late boost with his workouts, but scouts view him as a better athlete than football player and strictly a draft gamble based on his upside.

Willy is one of a handful of potential late-round draft prospects at quarterback because of his prototypical height and production as a four-year starter. His play improved every season, leading to a strong senior season: 65 percent completion rate, 3,304 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions. Willy also gained national attention with a game-winning Hail Mary touchdown against Temple in September; the play was a finalist for the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the year. Willy's arm strength won't wow scouts, but that's not the only prerequisite for the position. His intelligence, size and poise may lead to his name being called on the second day of the draft. Had an arm span of 32 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 3/4 inches at the combine.

A finalist for the Outland Trophy (top interior lineman) and a two-time All-American, Robinson leaves Oklahoma as one of the more decorated interior blockers in a long time. A massive road grader whose size and strength helped pave the way for the Sooners' amazing offensive firepower, Robinson teamed with left tackle Phil Loadholt, who measures in at 6-foot-8, 350 pounds, to provide the Sooners with arguably the most dominant left side in all of college football. Robinson is a force in the running game and he has the balance and good hand play necessary to protect the passer, but he isn't a player without negatives. Scouts have some concern about whether he'll be able to hold up to the lateral quickness of the NFL's elite interior defensive linemen. Had an arm span of 34 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 5/8 inches at the combine.

The spread attack is often characterized as a finesse offense. With the massive Britton operating at left tackle for the Wildcats, physicality in the running game was the key to U of A's success. The spread attack and mobile senior quarterback Willie Tuitama help mask Britton's lack of elite foot speed and agility as a pass blocker, but his size and strength in the running game could make him a standout at right tackle or even inside at guard in a drive-blocking scheme. Scouts love his physicality and consistency. After redshirting in 2005, Britton started the next consecutive 37 games and earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors as a left tackle in 2008. Had an arm span of 32 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 1/4 inches at the combine.

Williams looks like a fullback and plays like a wide receiver. His production (54 catches, 687 yards, six touchdowns) and leadership made him the team's 2008 Most Valuable Player. And his versatility put him on the NFL draft map. Whether it's at fullback or H-back, the versatility of the first-team All-WAC pick could make him a tough player to keep off someone's roster next September. Had an arm span of 31 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Williams was a stout, hard-working, durable three-year starter in the pivot for the Terps who capped off his career with a first-team All-ACC season in 2008. Not only is he the leader of the offensive line on the field, but his coaches are very high on his attitude and off-field leadership abilities. Williams is not an elite athlete, but his strength and fair footwork for his size is not lost on scouts, even in a decade-best class of centers. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

He lacks prototypical height, but Cook ranks as one of the better and more physical strong safeties of the 2009 class. An immediate standout for the Gamecocks, Cook left after his junior campaign. He earned all-SEC recognition all three seasons he spent at South Carolina. Similar to Indianapolis Colts' star Bob Sanders, Cook is at his best as a run enforcer and protecting the middle of the defense with his physicality and sound tackling. He'll need to perform well at the Scouting Combine -- both in workouts and in interviews -- to match Sanders' second-round grade.

Recognized as a first-team All-Big East selection in 2008 and 2007, second team in 2006 and Freshman All-American in 2005 redshirt season, Wood started 49 games for the Cardinals and is the epitome of durability and consistency. While other centers have earned more media recognition, NFL scouts consider Wood one of the best interior linemen available and a potential first-day pick. Had an arm span of 33 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 3/8 inches at the combine.

Once one of the top high school offensive line recruits in the country, Monroe progressed from a part-time starter as a sophomore to becoming the primary reason Virginia was comfortable in keeping 2008 first-round pick Branden Albert inside at left guard -- as opposed to left tackle -- where Albert started 15 games as a rookie for the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite Albert's obvious tools, Al Groh was wise to keep Monroe on the outside if his play as a senior was any indication. Named an All-American and the recipient of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the best blocker in the ACC, Monroe looks the part of a top-10 prospect. NFL offensive coordinators and quarterbacks would love to have his length and strength in pass protection. Had an arm span of 33 7/8 inches and a hand span of 11 1/8 inches at the combine.

A dynamic athlete capable of reviving the dormant Florida State tradition of producing NFL pass rushers, Brown left the Seminoles after an All-American junior season highlighted by 21.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. Possesses rare burst and often beat offensive tackles off the snap, but unlike many of the other top-ranked pass rushers of the 2009 draft, Brown also features impressive hand technique and the combination of balance and flexibility to change direction quickly to make plays in space. An ascending talent who has virtually doubled his production each of his three seasons, Brown could make an immediate impact in the NFL as either a right defensive end in the 4-3 alignment or as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

A very highly-touted JUCO transfer from Sierra College, Tupou showed so much promise during spring drills in 2007 that the Oregon coaching staff elected to move star Max Unger from left tackle -- where he earned second-team Pac-10 honors as a sophomore -- to center in an effort to best maximize Tupou's talents. Blessed with a unique combination of size, quickness and strength, Tupou has the physical tools every scout is looking for in an offensive lineman. And his play in 2008 earned Tupou second-team All-Pac 10 recognition and the potential to be a top-75 selection. Had an arm span of 34 inches and a hand span of 8 3/4 inches at the combine.

Successfully capped his career with the Trojans by earning AP All-American third-team honors. Moala offers rare size, strength and surprising effort downfield. Originally signed with USC out of high school in 2003, but Moala did not qualify academically and instead attended Cypress Junior College before transferring back to USC in 2004. Was since a consistent member of the Trojans' defensive line rotation, starting every game for the Trojans over the past two seasons and 38 games overall. A more valuable contributor than his yearly average production (26 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks) would indicate, Moala isn't going to fill the stat sheet, but his presence inside forced opponents to double-team him often, opening up opportunities for his playmaking teammates.

Reynolds may lack the flashy athleticism that characterizes many of this year's top tackle prospects, but his toughness and reliability on the right side could help him ultimately enjoy a more established pro career than some rated ahead of him. A three-year starter, with his action almost exclusively at right tackle, Reynolds has the frame and physicality to remain at the position at the next level. He lacks the speed to handle speed rushers, however, and isn't the consistent drive blocker his size might indicate. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 3/4 inches at the combine.

Talented backs like Johnson don't typically get out of the state of Florida, especially considering he led Dade County in rushing as a senior. His physique and lack of elite speed scream fullback, but his production for the Rams tells a different story. The 2008 first-team All-Mountain West pick appeared to come from nowhere with his 285-yard, two-touchdown effort against Fresno State in the New Mexico Bowl last December, but he had already approached 1,200 yards during the regular season and ran for 957 yards as a part-time starter in 2007. He also caught 32 for 295 yards out of the backfield as a senior, mostly on swing passes, which gives him a bit more versatility than most expect. Had an arm span of 30 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

Took over for NFL first-round pick Levi Brown at left tackle as a sophomore and never looked back. The 2008 first-team All-Big Ten pick was a major reason for the success of Penn State's "Spread HD" offense, keeping QB Daryll Clark clean. His run blocking is also solid, which makes him a late-round pick potentially moving to guard. Had an arm span of 35 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

Those outside Conference USA might be surprised how high McRath, only a junior, ranks among leaders in tackles over his career. McRath, who earned his second consecutive first-team All-Conference USA plaque in 2008, finished with 137 tackles (78 solo) during his junior season and has 386 tackles, 32 1/2 tackles for loss and eight sacks in his career. Voted the 2007 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore, McRath's production can't be denied. But scouts are worried how he'll hold up at the next level due to his marginal size. A fast 40 time could ease scouts concerns, who feel that McRath is best suited for the weak side.

Despite surprising many with his early declaration, Coffee should find NFL success with his combination of size, strength and surprising burst in the open field. Though he shared carries amongst 'Bama's talented stable of backs, Coffee emerged as the Tide's bell-cow back down the stretch, finishing with 1,383 yards (5.9 yards per carry) and 10 touchdowns. His total pushed him ahead of former NFL MVP Shaun Alexander for second on the Tide's single-season rushing list behind only Bobby Humphrey's 1,471 yards in 1986. Belying the traditional Alabama role of just a physical runner, Coffee is also a very good receiver out of the backfield, averaging 17 receptions for 130 yards the past two seasons. Had an arm span of 31 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

Came into his own as a senior as the Lobos' No. 1 cornerback, replacing DeAndre Wright (injury). He garnered first-team All-Mountain West honors after compiling 53 tackles, 4.5 for loss, five interceptions and 11 pass breakups. He was honorable mention all-conference his first two seasons, credited with two picks and 20 pass breakups. Started his career at Southwest Mississippi Junior College, redshirting his first season with a broken right arm. Quin's physical nature makes him a natural zone corner or free safety.

Moved up NFL draft boards with a surprising first season as the Seminoles' kicker in 2008. Gano won the Lou Groza Award and garnered first-team all-ACC honors after making 24-of-26 field goal attempts -- including 5-of-7 of 50 yards or longer. Gano actually missed the first two games of his senior season after having surgery in August on a torn right meniscus. He ended the season as the team's triple-threat specialist, re-gaining punting and kickoff duties as the season progressed. Honorable mention all-ACC as a punter in 2007 with a 43.4-yard average overall; he averaged 42.7 yards a boot and placed the ball well after returning from injury. Gano finished a dream season by winning the Champs Sports Bowl MVP award after pinning Wisconsin deep multiple times. Had an arm span of 30 3/8 inches and a hand span of 7 7/8 inches at the combine.

Harrell's skills may translate to the next level, despite coach Mike Leach's spread offense and the lack of NFL success for previous Tech quarterbacks. He was a finalist for multiple 2008 awards after putting up huge passing numbers (5,111 yards, 45 touchdowns, nine interceptions) and leading his team to a one-loss regular season. This former Texas Gatorade High School Player of the Year and three-year starter accumulated 15,793 passing yards in his career. Harrell also won the Gator Bowl MVP his junior season after the Raiders' second consecutive come-from-behind bowl victory. Had an arm span of 31 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

Not many guards leave school early to start their professional career, but Isdaner felt it was time to move on. His career at WVU took off like gangbusters, as he started immediately and earned Freshman All-American honors at left guard. He was then named first-team All-Big East in his sophomore season. Being left off the all-conference squad as a junior was more a reflection of West Virginia's inconsistent season than his play. During his three seasons in Morgantown, Isdaner proved himself to have enough athleticism and strength to eventually be an NFL starter. Had an arm span of 32 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 3/4 inches at the combine.

Receivers in a spread offense aren't typically 6-feet-3 and 210 pounds, but Orton's an exception to the rule. He moved the chains consistently throughout his career, averaging 65 receptions for 754 yards and four touchdowns over his three seasons as a starter. The strength he gained through hard work during his days in West Lafayette certainly paid dividends against smaller defensive backs in college, although his lack of elite speed may make the transition to the NFL a difficult one. Had an arm span of 33 3/8 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Parrish received limited exposure playing at Kent State in the Mid-American Conference. He started the past three seasons at left tackle, receiving second-team All-MAC honors as a junior and senior. Although he may fit best inside in the NFL, scouts believe he can make the transition because of his mobility and determination. Don't be surprised if Parrish is one of the two or three MAC players typically drafted in the first three rounds next April. Had an arm span of 35 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

After earning multiple high school All-American honors, Nicks did not disappoint Tar Heel fans during his three seasons as a starter. He quickly established himself as a prospect NFL scouts had to keep an eye on, catching 113 balls for 1,618 yards and nine touchdowns in his first two seasons. Nicks took his play to another level as a junior, however. A first-team All-ACC selection, Nicks snared 68 passes for 1,222 yards and 12 touchdowns, with many of them coming dramatically. The strength and athleticism he displayed with eight receptions for 217 yards and three touchdowns against West Virginia in the Meineke Car Care Bowl helped him turn in arguably the most memorable performance of the 2008-09 bowl season. Hicks may lack elite stopwatch speed, but NFL scouts would do well to remember that so too did Anquan Boldin and Chad Johnson. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 1/2 inches at the combine.

Possibly the largest player in college football, one might suspect Johnson is a dominant football player because he can block just about anything with his massive girth -- perhaps even sunlight. He shows surprising athleticism along with his size and strength, and teamed with left tackle Cirron Black to give LSU as formidable a left side along the line as any team in the country. In fact, while LSU's talented skill position players received much of the attention last season for the Tigers' offensive production in winning the national title, the play of the offensive line played a huge role. Johnson was such a force last season that his play led SEC coaches to vote him First Team all-conference in his first season as the full-time starter. Had an arm span of 36 1/2 inches and a hand span of 11 3/8 inches at the combine.

Scouts hoped Cantwell's size and arm strength would allow him to emerge from the mediocre senior quarterback class, but it just didn't happen. He waited patiently behind 2008 second-round pick Brian Brohm for four years, showing enough in his limited playing time to pique NFL teams' interest. But the 2008 season was not kind to Cantwell, as he completed less than 59 percent of his passes and threw as many touchdowns as interceptions (16). His poor decision-making, lack of mobility and elongated delivery overshadowed his size and arm strength. Cantwell's willingness to drastically overhaul his delivery in one week at the East-West Shrine Game encouraged scouts that he has the commitment to take advantage of his obvious physical attributes. Still, with only 16 career starts, he is a considerable project. Had an arm span of 33 1/4 inches and a hand span of 10 1/4 inches at the combine.