DRAFT TRACKER 2009

Campbell was a big-time star as a sophomore defensive end (17.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks) on Kansas State's last bowl team in 2006. While not making national headlines the past two seasons, he showed versatility playing an end-outside linebacker hybrid position. He made first-team All-Big 12 (11 TFL, 4.5 sacks) and followed it up with a second-team All-Big 12 senior season (8.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks). While not an elite athlete, Campbell's hustle and size could make him an interesting pickup for 3-4 teams in need of linebacker depth.

Johnson is probably the most famous player ever to come out of Boise because of his All-American sophomore season (1,713 rushing yards, 25 touchdowns) and impromptu marriage proposal in the end zone after the Broncos' big New Year's Day 2007 win over Oklahoma. But Johnson's production declined to 1,041 yards as a junior and 766 yards as a senior, mostly because his number of carries was reduced by about a third each year. He did get more opportunities to catch the ball the past two seasons, averaging 24 receptions for 271 yards. While not particularly big, fast or quick, Johnson's fortitude, durability (he played in 49 games), receiving skills and potential on special teams could well land him a roster spot. Had an arm span of 31 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

A former defensive end switched to long snapper during the 2005 season, head coach June Jones believed Ingram was too valuable to be a reserve on defense. NFL scouts are likely to agree with Jones' assessment of Ingram as a long-snapper. Ingram is clearly the top prospect in the country at the vital, if underappreciated, position. He's not a big bruiser who could play center in a pinch but his accuracy and velocity will be valued by teams looking for a reliable snapper. Had an arm span of 31 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

A tough cornerback with good size, Word-Daniels' stock fell during his senior season because he missed half the season with a pulled hamstring. His 24 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one interception in seven games was the level of productivity he had hoped for coming into the season. Word-Daniels originally came on as a sophomore, intercepting two passes and breaking up 13 others as a starter for half of the season. As a junior, he made 56 tackles and broke up eight passes in Tech's aggressive defense. He must work out well and stay healthy throughout the postseason draft process to regain his lofty status among scouts.

A three-year starter at left guard for the Terrapins, Thomas developed into an honorable mention ACC pick as a senior and could have contended for higher honors if not for an inconsistent offense. NFL teams looking for a drive-blocking guard will scout Thomas closely. Big and strong, Thomas is at his best attacking in short areas and driving straight ahead to create holes. Though he flashes the quickness to get to the second level, Thomas' lack of balance and agility in the open field doesn't make him a fit for zone-blocking teams. Had an arm span of 35 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

The son of former San Diego Chargers cornerback Gill Byrd, Pac-10 opponents won't shed a tear that Jairus Byrd left early for the NFL. An all-conference choice after each of his three seasons at Oregon, Jairus Byrd finished only one interception short of the school record. Five of his career 17 interceptions came in 2008, helping Byrd to earn first-team All-Pac-10 accolades two seasons after earning the conference co-Freshman of the Year honors (along with USC safety Taylor Mays and UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner). A natural playmaker whose versatility as a punt returner could mean an immediate impact at the next level, Byrd is only a workout away from emerging as a legitimate first-day -- perhaps first-round -- prospect.

One of the most maddeningly underachieving players in the country, Williams showed flashes of brilliance as a playmaker during his honorable mention All-Pac-10 sophomore and junior seasons, averaging 62 catches for 914 yards and seven touchdowns. However, his inconsistent hands and effort continued during his senior year and his production suffered (36-473-4). His size is intriguing and some team will draft him or sign him immediately afterwards thinking they can be the ones to help him fulfill that potential. Had an arm span of 33 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 3/4 inches at the combine.

A four-year starter, Sanford, the conference's leading tackler over his career, leaves Ole Miss without a single all-conference selection. The heavy-hitting strong safety's 287 career tackles did earn him an invitation to the Scouting Combine. If Sanford can prove his athleticism, the versatile, durable performer could move into middle-round consideration for the 2009 draft.

Electing to turn pro after only two seasons with the Owls, Casey is a rare all-around athlete who was a seventh-round pick by the Chicago White Sox out of high school and spent three years in their farm system before retiring from baseball and signing with Rice. Once with the Owls, it didn't take long for the former quarterback to establish himself as a dominant weapon at various positions, earning consensus Conference USA Freshman accolades and honorable mention all-conference honors from league coaches. Casey lined up at seven different positions in one game in 2007, and has played everything from defensive end to safety to quarterback to wide receiver. Playing primarily at wide receiver in 2008, Casey was dominant in Rice's spread attack; he finished second in the country with 111 receptions for 1,329 yards and 13 touchdowns. For some, Casey will be characterized as a Matt Jones-like 'tweener. But also like Jones, Casey's unique upside could land him a stunningly high draft selection come April, even if he'll be turning 25 during his rookie season. Had an arm span of 30 5/8 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

Davis earned a second-round grade from the NFL Advisory Committee in 2007 after rushing for more than 3,000 yards and 36 touchdowns over his first three years at Clemson. But the two-time first-team All-ACC pick elected to return for his senior season, again showing a player's stock doesn't always increase by returning to school. He rushed for only 751 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2008; still, Davis flashed the speed, power and aggression to run over defenders to be a fine NFL back in his limited chances behind a struggling quarterback and offensive line. In the right system, he could contribute immediately. Had an arm span of 30 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

A three-time AP All-American, Laurinaitis is the most recognized player in the 2009 draft. Blessed with a rare combination of size and athleticism -- drawing comparison to Bears Pro Bowl MLB Brian Urlacher -- Laurinaitis burst onto the scene as a sophomore, earning the 2006 Bronko Nagurski Award (top defensive player). He won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker and the Lott Trophy in '08 as the nation's best all-around defensive player. Despite his gaudy statistics (366 career tackles) and unrivaled trophy room, there are elements to Laurinaitis' game that concern scouts. The value of his reliability and consistency can't be overstated. Laurinaitis is viewed by many as the safest pick of the 2009 draft.

Athletic enough to serve as the starting left tackle for a Steve Spurrier offense, NFL scouts are scouting Meredith closely, especially when you factor in his wacky senior season. Suspended by the NCAA for the first two games of the 2008 season -- Meredith was granted a medical redshirt for the 2004 season despite playing against Vanderbilt -- Meredith came back to find that sophomore Jarriel King had emerged as his replacement at left tackle, moving Meredith inside to left guard. Meredith started eight games while fighting an ankle injury, but scouts like the way he took to the new position. Athletic and experienced at every position along the offensive line (except center), Meredith has the tools worthy of development and could compete for NFL playing time as a versatile swingman. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

A one-time walk-on with the University of Washington, Bronson's rare combination of size and speed helped to quickly establish him as a man among boys at the Division II level. Despite missing nearly five games due to a shoulder injury, Bronson was nonetheless recognized as an AP Little All-American after catching 28 passes for 502 yards and six touchdowns as a senior. He was particularly effective when the Wildcats needed him most, catching a career-high eight passes for 169 yards in Central Washington's 49-42 loss at West Texas A&M in the first round of the 2008 NCAA Division II playoffs. The first Wildcat to earn an invitation to the East-West Shrine Game in more than 60 years, Bronson has the potential to surprise at the next level. Had an arm span of 32 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 1/8 inches at the combine.

Blessed with the combination of size and speed that led Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier to compare him to Detroit Lions star Calvin Johnson, Cook has the tools every scouting director is looking for in the new prototype NFL tight end. Despite less than eye-popping statistics (37 receptions for 573 yards and three touchdowns), Cook was nonetheless recognized by SEC coaches as a first-team all-conference selection in 2008 - perhaps due to his potential as a nightmare matchup for defenses. With steadier quarterback play by the Gamecocks, many believe Cook could have enjoyed a truly breakout performance. If he works out as well at the NFL Combine as he reportedly did for South Carolina coaches, the redshirt junior won't have to wait long to hear his name called on draft day. Had an arm span of 35 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 1/4 inches at the combine.

One of the most productive receivers in college football history, Dillard's 50 career touchdown catches from QB Chase Clement set an NCAA standard. He has 60 total touchdowns in this career and his 257 catches for 3,614 yards (14.1-yard average) over the past three years speaks to his production. The three-time All-Conference USA and All-American lacks great speed and size, but not all successful pro receivers look like track stars on the field. Had an arm span of 32 inches and a hand span of 8 1/2 inches at the combine.

Scouts see a lot of potential in this former junior college transfer, who was Georgia Military Academy's defensive MVP in 2006. His size and length on the edge did not result in a lot of production in two years between the hedges (33 tackles, four sacks), though his growth might have been stunted a bit with the Georgia staff rotating him back and forth between defensive end and tackle throughout his junior season. Scouts wonder if he was on the verge of breaking out, as he enjoyed the two best games of his career for Georgia in his final two contests. Wynn racked up a career-high six tackles against rival Georgia Tech and followed up that performance with another four tackles, including two sacks, against Michigan State in the 2009 Capital One Bowl. If his game continues to improve, Wynn could make a roster as a swing end able to play the run and pressure the quarterback -- ultimately proving to be a better pro than collegiate player.

The 2008 WAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year -- with an eye-popping 22 tackles for loss -- Gilbert was characterized by some as a product of the Spartans' aggressive defense until, that is, he proved to be arguably the most dominant presence at the East-West Shrine Game. The question for scouts now isn't whether Gilbert can play, but at which position to utilize his unique combination of size and athletic ability. Gilbert signed with San Jose State as a 240-pound defensive end in 2004. He added over 40 pounds since and has the frame to add even more. ... The son of former New Orleans Saints' offensive tackle Daren Gilbert, Jarron has incredible athleticism for his size and could be just scratching the surface of his potential.

In a draft full of H-backs and 'tweeners, Cook is one of very few traditional lead blocking fullbacks. Although his size and physicality make him a prototypical hammer, Cook is hardly the stereotypical hardhat as he earned a double-major degree in English and Education in five years. The ability to quote Shakespeare won't get Cook far in the NFL, but his lead blocking and underrated hands out of the backfield will. The three-year starter hasn't had a lot of carries (six in four years), but that won't slow teams needing a physical presence in their running game from taking Cook in the late rounds. Had an arm span of 33 1/4 inches and a hand span of 10 3/8 inches at the combine.

Phillips earned first-team All-Mountain West honors twice (2006, '08) and was named to the second team twice. In his four years as a starter, he accumulated 325 career tackles including 38.5 for loss and 7.5 sacks. He's not what scouts call a quick-twitch athlete, but his toughness, work ethic and instincts make him a potential NFL starter inside.

Smith is still learning to play on the offensive line after starting his Baylor career at tight end (six catches for 70 yards and one touchdown as a redshirt freshman). But after flashing exciting potential as a sophomore and junior, Smith's play ascended to another level in 2008. He started on the right side as a sophomore in 2006 and missed time at left tackle in 2007 with a strained MCL. He was named honorable mention All-Big 12 as a junior. Smith's play earned him All-American honors in 2008 -- the first BU offensive lineman to be so honored since 1980. Smith is a raw prospect at this time compared to some of the other left tackles in this draft. If he is impressive in postseason all-star games, workouts and interviews, Smith has the upside to vault to the top of the class. Had an arm span of 33 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 3/4 inches at the combine.

A former tight end with two starts at the position in 2006, Watkins is one of the underrated tackle prospects in this draft. Watkins, who only played two years of high school football, was still recruited by many top programs. He established himself as one to watch as a junior, starting all 13 games at left tackle with the injury to Phil Trautwein. With Trautwein back at his customary left tackle position in 2008, Watkins was moved to the right side as a senior and didn't skip a beat. While still raw, scouts will be sure to consider Watkins' length, athleticism and versatility when looking for developmental left tackle prospects. Had an arm span of 34 3/8 inches and a hand span of 10 1/2 inches at the combine.

Few junior college transfers had a greater immediate impact than the one Brinkley had for South Carolina in 2006. He stepped in for the Gamecocks and posted 107 tackles -- more than twice the total of any teammate -- and earned first-team All-SEC accolades. Brinkley was lost for the 2007 season after only four games due to a torn ACL in his right knee. He returned in 2008, but hadn't yet regained his fluidity and straight-line speed and finished with 54 tackles. Blessed with rare size and power when healthy, Brinkley ranks as one of the more intriguing inside linebackers in recent memory. Teams needing an inside thumper, especially those operating out of a 3-4 scheme, will be sure to do their homework on Brinkley's recovery.

Turned down offers from several Big 12 schools to attend Tennessee State, where he could play right away. And play he did, as Williams rushed for 4,329 yards and 42 touchdowns while averaging almost 15 catches for 222 yards per season as a four-year starter. Although he lacks elite 40-yard dash times (an overrated measure for most running backs), the 2008 Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year is a legitimate mid-round prospect because of his size and underrated quickness as an inside runner. Had an arm span of 31 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Ringer was "the man" for Michigan State's offense in 2008, carrying the ball an amazing 390 times for 1,637 yards and 22 touchdowns in an All-American senior season. This success wasn't really a surprise because he started off the year as the top senior running back prospect after his second-team all-conference 2007 (1,477 rushing yards, 35 receptions). He also rushed for 817 yards without a start as a true freshman in 2005. Although Ringer's numbers slowed down late in the season and there are some injury concerns, scouts saw enough of his toughness and solid all-around game to make him a second or early third-round selection. Had an arm span of 30 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 5/8 inches at the combine.

Johnson was quietly being touted by scouts before the 2008 season as a breakout candidate. After all, 2008 first-round pick Jonathan Stewart's emergence only came after Johnson suffered a season-ending torn right ACL in the sixth game on 2007. Johnson's shoulder popped out of its socket against Utah State after only one 37-yard carry, however, making scouts wonder if he was injury-prone. But he played in every game en route to 2008 second-team All-Pac 10 honors, gaining 1,201 rushing yards, scoring 13 touchdowns and averaging an outstanding 7.1 yards per carry. Had an arm span of 30 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

A two-time first-team All-WAC selection, Childs elected to follow the lead of his cousin, former Broncos cornerback Orlando Scandrick, in leaving after his junior season for the opportunity of NFL riches. Childs leaves Boise State second all-time in receptions (168), though his 1,999 yards rank only 11th in school history. That also represents scouts' greatest concern about Childs - a lack of speed and elusiveness to make yardage after the catch. Like Scandrick, Childs could surprise in workouts, leading to a late push up the board. Had an arm span of 33 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

The definition of an impact player, Maclin was named an All-American as a receiver and returner in each of his two starting seasons in Columbia. A highly touted prep prospect who turned down Ohio State, Oklahoma and Notre Dame, among others, to sign with Missouri, Maclin appeared well on his way toward establishing himself as a starter as a true freshman before suffering a horrific knee injury. His success a year later certainly proved his health. Maclin tallied 2,776 all-purpose yards, which was an NCAA Division I-A single-season freshman record, and was the fifth-most ever by any player in a season in Division I-A history. Had an arm span of 32 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine. With numbers like that, no one expected him to match his 2007 totals -- and he didn't. He exceeded them, generating 2,833 all-purpose yards in 2008. After accumulating more than 5,600 all-purpose yards in two years, Maclin is a threat to score on every carry (scored six career rushing touchdowns), reception (22) or return (three punts, two kickoffs). His solid frame, elite speed and elusiveness are reminiscent of an early Joey Galloway, and could translate into a top 15 selection. Maclin was eligible to enter the draft this spring because he missed his true freshman season with a knee injury suffered in July practices. Had an arm span of 32 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

An undersized cover corner, Powers quickly proved to be one of the better young corners in the SEC, earning SEC all-freshman team notice in 2006. Powers enjoyed the best season of his career as a sophomore, earning the Zeke Smith award as Auburn's top defensive player after registering 63 tackles and leading the Tigers with four interceptions. After establishing himself as a playmaker, opposing offenses elected not to challenge him as often in 2008 and that fact, along with a nagging hamstring injury, limited Powers to only 47 tackles and two interceptions. Scouts like Powers' experience (23 starts), production (136 tackles and six interceptions) and athleticism, but his lack of size and relatively disappointing junior season likely makes him a mid-round prospect, at best.

Burnett made headlines since starting as a freshman because of his skills as a cornerback (16 career interceptions, 35 pass breakups) and return man (three punt, two kickoff returns for touchdown). The four-year starter was named first-team All-Conference USA at cornerback and kickoff and punt returner as a senior. A bit smaller and slower than most teams would like in a starter, Burnett is a strong, confident Tampa-2 corner in the making.

Bell won all-conference honors in each of his three seasons as a starter at left tackle for the Paladins, although his future may lay on the strong side in the NFL. He was also named an All-American as a senior due to his pass protection and run-blocking skills. Relatively inexperienced in football after living in Egypt and Croatia (his parents were missionaries) until returning to the United States in 2001, Bell is a potential swing tackle with loads of upside. Had an arm span of 34 inches and a hand span of 10 3/8 inches at the combine.

The Gatorade Player of the Year in Alabama as a high school senior, Wilson never really lived up to the hype while in Tuscaloosa. He completed only 57 percent of his passes and managed a 47-to-30 touchdown-to-interception ratio during his career. His senior leadership, as well as a solid running game and the addition of a go-to receiver in freshman Julio Jones, did help the Tide to an impressive 2008 regular season. Despite his lack of size, elite arm strength and the losses in the SEC Championship Game and the Sugar Bowl, some scouts believe Wilson has the intelligence and moxie to perform at the next level with good talent around him. Had an arm span of 31 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

Carrying in the suddenly strong UVA tradition of producing NFL-caliber tight ends under coach Al Groh, Phillips went from being a part-time starter to first-team All-ACC selection in 2008. Teams looking for an athletic receiver to threaten the seam should look elsewhere, but as a secure short- to medium-range target with the size and strength to contribute immediately as a blocker, Phillips quietly ranks as one of the draft's better all-around tight ends. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 1/4 inches at the combine.

Luigs was an integral part of the Razorbacks' vaunted running game the past few seasons, and returned to school despite a coaching change after he won the 2007 Rimington Award as the nation's top center. Although his senior season was somewhat disappointing from a team perspective, Luigs managed second-team All-SEC honors despite a slew of talented pivot men in the conference and was again a finalist for the Rimington (won by Penn State's A.Q. Shipley). In a very deep center class, Luigs is still considered by many to be the top prospect. Had an arm span of 31 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Knox was rated one of the top 10 receivers coming out of junior college after two successful seasons at Tyler JC. His production continued in Abilene, as he twice made first-team All-Lone Star South with 121 receptions for 2,227 yards and 30 touchdowns. A potential contributor in the slot and as a returner, he's a good bet to be drafted or at least be on teams' short lists of the top free-agent receivers. Had an arm span of 31 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

While teammates Duke Robinson and Phil Loadholt receive most of the media attention, the Big 12 coaches recognized Cooper as the conference's 2008 offensive lineman of the year. An immediate standout for the Sooners, Cooper started two games as a true freshman before a dislocated ankle ended his season. He went on to become a mainstay on arguably the best offensive line in college football, twice earning all-conference recognition. Cooper lacks the bulk and physicality to fit most NFL schemes, but his reliable shotgun snapping and rare quickness for the position could intrigue zone-blocking teams in the late rounds. Had an arm span of 31 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Casillas' excellent speed stands out on film. He's a three-time honorable mention All-Big Ten on the weak side (averaging nearly 90 tackles, including more than 11 for loss in 2006-2007) following a season in which he lit up special teams units as a true freshman. He played well in 2008 (62 tackles, six for loss) but missed three games -- including their bowl game -- and played through a knee injury. Casillas is considered too small for some NFL defensive schemes, but others covet his ability to flow to the ball.

The least known of the Penn State trio of receivers, Norwood is a State College guy as his father coaches the Nittany Lions secondary. He caught at least 32 balls in each of his four seasons as a part-time starter, but saved his best for his senior year. He garnered honorable mention All-Big Ten honors with 41 catches for 637 yards and six scores. Projects as a complementary receiver, may need to bide his time to prove himself at the next level. Had an arm span of 30 3/4 inches and a hand span of 8 5/8 inches at the combine.

Valdez has led the way for excellent backs like Darren McFadden, Felix Jones and Michael Smith as a starter the past two years. He started on the weak side as a junior and on the strong side in 2008. Arkansas coaches also flip sides depending on formation throughout games. That versatility, combined with his size and athleticism, makes Valdez a good late-round developmental prospect. Had an arm span of 34 inches and a hand span of 9 5/8 inches at the combine.

The highly recruited high school quarterback had an up-and-down career at Kansas State, but felt he showed enough to put his hat into the NFL Draft a year early. Strong-armed and mobile, Freeman led the Wildcats to their last bowl game as a true freshman. As a sophomore and junior, he completed 61.2 percent of his passes with 38 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. He also ran for 404 yards and 14 scores as a junior. His father, Ron, played in the USFL and was his high school defensive coordinator. It will be a process developing Freeman, but some team may take a chance in the first two rounds based on potential. Had an arm span of 32 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

The WAC leader in tackles (11.7 per-game average) through the first seven games of the 2007 season, an MCL injury kept him out until he posted 11 tackles in Nevada's bowl loss to New Mexico. He played through a torn pectoral muscle his senior year, managing 54 tackles, 7.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks, but the injury cost him a chance to play in another bowl game. Mauga was never named to an all-conference team, but he has been versatile enough to make plays regardless of position or scheme. He played outside linebacker in the 3-4 early in his career and then at both the middle and strong-side positions in the 4-3 as a senior.

Despite injury problems throughout his Huskies career, Garcia started 37 consecutive games from 2006-08, earning second-team All-Pac-10 honors in 2007 and honorable mention status as a senior. He suffered a severely dislocated left ankle and broken left fibula in spring 2004, then tore his labrum in 2005, causing him to miss the entire season. Granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA, Garcia went on to be a steadying presence in the middle of the UW line. He also missed most of spring 2008 with a left Lisfranc sprain that was characterized at the time as potentially career-ending. Electing not to have the surgery and instead play through the pain, Garcia gutted through his senior campaign. His toughness and physicality in the trenches earned him a spot on the East-West Shrine Game roster and a Combine invite, but considering his lack of durability and this year's class of centers, he'll likely have to make an NFL club as an undrafted free agent. Had an arm span of 33 inches and a hand span of 9 7/8 inches at the combine.

Iglesias didn't get as much publicity as Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Sam Bradford, tight end Jermaine Gresham or even former Sooner wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, but all he did was lead Oklahoma in receptions (68 in 2007, 74 in 2008) and receiving yards (907, 1,150) the past two seasons. He also scored 10 times as a senior en route to second-team All-Big 12 honors, which was a difficult task given the conference's prolific offenses. More solid than flashy, Iglesias' size, speed and ability to gain yards after the catch make him a natural for the West Coast Offense. His experience as a kick returner (876 yards in '07, 475 in '08) also adds value. Had an arm span of 31 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.