DRAFT TRACKER 2009

With only 12 career receptions for 124 yards and two touchdowns, Quinn's value lies in his blocking. Nicknamed "Big Rich," he plays up to his moniker, giving the Tar Heels essentially another offensive tackle at the line of scrimmage. With many of today's NFL offenses preferring receiving specialists at tight end, Quinn could still be waiting to hear his name called late in the draft. However, there are always teams on the lookout for physical run blockers capable of sneaking off the line of scrimmage for short-yardage passes. In this capacity, Quinn could find a niche in the pros. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

It was a bumpy ride for Jean-Francois in Baton Rouge. One of the top high school recruits in the country, he contributed as a freshman in 2006 (5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks) after a redshirt season in 2005. He missed the first 12 games due to academic problems as a sophomore, then won defensive MVP honor in the national title game against Ohio State after making six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and blocking a field goal. His junior season was also adversity-filled. He started only six of 11 games in which he played due to a groin injury and the deep, talented LSU line. He made 20 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks during the season. His public comment about taking a "good shot" at Florida QB Tim Tebow did not endear him to coaches. His strength at the point and athleticism deserve a high grade.

A nice receiving tight end/H-back prospect who converted from the wide receiver spot, Myers stood out as a junior with 21 catches for 320 yards and three touchdowns. But his senior season was a washout because of a turf toe. He also missed time in the 2006 and 2007 seasons with leg and groin injuries, respectively. His athleticism and hands got him an invite to the Combine, where he can get on teams' radars as a late-round pick or priority free agent -- if his toe is healthy. Had an arm span of 32 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

: Felix was a four-year starter in El Paso who gained all-conference mention every season, including first-team honors as a senior. The durable pivot man and team captain on offense started 46 consecutive games and played hard through every whistle. His father, Larry, played guard for Boise State. He may not be drafted high, or even at all, because of his average athleticism. But Felix's nasty attitude and toughness inside will surely endear him to his new offensive line coach as a late Sunday pick or priority free agent. Had an arm span of 32 3/8 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

Ayers barely registered a blip on the NFL radar until 2008. He had played in 36 games for the Volunteers, but had only started two games, both as a sophomore. He had also struggled with maturity, getting suspended for the first two games of 2005 after pleading guilty to misdemeanor assult. The Tennessee coaching staff recognized Ayers' improved work ethic before he went on to enjoy a breakout senior season, posting career highs in tackles (49) and tackles for loss (15.5). He earned first-team All-SEC honors from conference coaches and is shooting up NFL draft boards. Ayers lacks the elite speed to ever be a standout pass rusher, but if he can continue his momentum with a strong performance in workouts and interviews, he may develop into one of the hotter defensive end prospects in the 2009 draft.

Despite being a four-year starter and two-time first-team All-MAC recipient at left tackle, Brewster ranks as one of the more underrated components in Ball State's emergence into the national spotlight. He won't be underrated by scouts. Brewster's lateral agility makes him not only effective mirroring defenders in pass protection, but when blocking for the run. As with many tackles coming to the NFL as products of the spread offense, however, scouts are curious to see how effective Brewster would be in the running game out of a three-point stance. Had an arm span of 34 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Bruggman was overshadowed by the improbable rise to stardom of Hawkeyes RB Shonn Greene, who won the Doak Walker Award in 2008, but those close to the program will tell you that Bruggman's ascension during his only season as a starter was just as impressive. A backup throughout his early career, Bruggeman appeared poised to emerge as the starter in 2007 before tearing an ACL and MCL in the spring. He worked hard to return in time for his senior season and was made a team captain, going on to be recognized by conference coaches and the media as a second-team All-Big Ten performer in 2008. Strong and technically refined, Bruggeman could be the latest Kirk Ferentz-coached product to slip into the draft with little fanfare and carve out a legitimate NFL career. Had an arm span of 31 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Allen wasn't recruited by major programs because he was only 240 pounds and had a low ACT score. It didn't take long for his college coaches to realize a switch from defense to offense was a great idea. The senior All-American started every game of his four-year career for Missouri Western; three first-team All-MIAA seasons at right guard and his freshman year on the left side. He's not an elite athlete, but he has the strength and short-area agility to be an effective NFL guard. Had an arm span of 34 3/4 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

Teammate BJ Raji received more attention than Brace, who is a stout run defender in his own right. A second-team All-ACC selection in 2008 after earning honorable mention in 2007 -- when Raji was academically ineligible -- Brace isn't going to provide much in terms of statistical production. In fact, Brace's combined statistics from his two all-conference seasons led to numbers that some of the other highly ranked defensive tackles enjoyed in just one season: 54 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Brace might lack name recognition and explosive burst, but his stout frame, lower-body strength and versatility could make him a mid-round value come draft day.

Often overshadowed by Texas' multitude of other standouts, Miller was key to the Longhorns' success over the past four seasons. He lacks the eye-popping size and speed numbers NFL scouts look for, though his production is sure to attract attention. A veteran of 49 games with the Longhorns, Miller leaves with 138 career tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks including 49-11-5.5 as a senior in earning first-team All-Big 12 honors as voted by the conference coaches. The defensive MVP in Texas' victory over Ohio State in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl (2.5 tackles, one TFL, one sack) also had a strong performance during the East-West Shrine Game and is a candidate to move up draft boards.

The best word to describe Carpenter is "gutty." He finished his career with 43 consecutive starts, which helped him become one of the most productive quarterbacks in Pac-10 history with 10,491 passing yards and 81 career touchdowns. After leading the Sun Devils to a share of the Pac-10 championship in 2007 and emerging as one of the nation's most consistent passers, Carpenter and the rest of his teammates struggled through a disappointing 2008 campaign. His own statistics weren't as impressive as expected (2,493 yards, 16 TDs, nine INTs), nor was his team, a preseason top 15 pick that stumbled to a 5-7 record. Carpenter lacks the monster arm every NFL team is looking for, but his toughness, mobility and accuracy in the short to medium range should make him an interesting second-day option for teams using the West Coast offense. Had an arm span of 31 3/4 inches and a hand span of 8 5/8 inches at the combine.

A former Marine who served time in Iraq, Davis' rare blend of size and athleticism has NFL scouts imagining him as a part of their own front line of defense. After his military service, Davis played with Mt. San Antonio College, emerging as one of the top junior college prospects in the nation despite switching to the defensive side of the ball. Davis had played along the offensive line throughout his entire high school career. In three seasons at California, Davis consistently flashed first-day talent -- and posted four sacks and two forced fumbles in only seven starts as senior. Davis, 25, has yet to finish a season healthy, playing in only 21 of 38 games.

The three-year starter and 2008 second-team All-Conference USA right tackle is as dependable and consistent as they come. The Southern Miss coaches considered McKee an extension of themselves on the field and a solid leader in the locker room. He also played with a torn labrum throughout much of his senior season, undergoing surgery in January. Although he lacks the bulk most NFL teams want in a strong-side tackle, McKee has gained weight over the past year and has the body to add a bit more. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 1/4 inches at the combine.

This jack of all trades played on both sides of the ball at every level. Mouton was named a Junior College All-American because of his production as a defender and return man and continued the performance after transferring to Hawaii. He didn't make any big plays for the Warriors on offense (eight catches, 71 yards) but returned a kickoff for a touchdown and had six tackles for loss, one interception, eight pass breakups and two forced fumbles as a nickel back. His versatility, speed and attitude may land him a roster spot as a rookie. Changed his jersey number from No. 27 to 2 as a tribute to a high school teammate who died before the 2008 Sugar Bowl.

Much was expected of Swank in 2008. He entered the year as arguably the nation's top long-distance kicking prospect, fresh off a junior campaign in which he was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award. A groin injury midway through the season robbed Swank of his power, limiting his effectiveness as a field goal kicker, kickoff specialist and punter. If he can prove he's over the groin injury, Swank's high trajectory and leg drive should make him one of the more highly regarded placekickers of the 2009 draft. Had an arm span of 31 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Stillman College has not produced a load of players to the NFL, but when scouts went to the "other school" in Tuscaloosa to check out Brian Witherspoon in 2007, they couldn't help but notice the big man inside. Hill played defensive end as a senior, despite his 6-foot-4, 328-pound frame, because coaches wanted to prevent double-team blocks from taking him out of the action. The result was his most productive season yet (59 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, seven pass breakups and a second straight first-team All-SIAC selection). His agility and girth are coveted by scouts, making him a potential middle-round pick in 2009.

For his first two years in Corvallis, Stroughter was primarily a return specialist. That all changed in 2006, as he accumulated 1,293 yards on 74 receptions -- and still managed to score three touchdowns on punt returns. Unfortunately, he could not follow up that second-team All-Pac-10 performance in 2007 due to his battle with depression and a lacerated kidney. He came back from that redshirt season with a vengeance as a senior, earning first-team all-conference accolades by catching 70 passes for 1,040 yards and seven scores. Stroughter's combination of receiving and return skills could land him a spot on an NFL roster in 2009. Had an arm span of 29 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

McKillop's top production was a credit to his instincts and efficiency getting through traffic and to the ballcarrier. The 2008 Big East Defensive Player of the Year and twice unanimous first-team All-Big East linebacker racked up 288 tackles, 27.5 for loss and seven sacks the past two seasons. He showed potential as a true freshman, stepping in for an injured H.B. Blades to make 13 tackles against West Virginia. Teams won't write "wow" on their notepad when seeing him at the Combine weigh-in, but they do when watching his college game film.

Smith joined teammate Paul Kruger in riding the wave of the Utes' big win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl into the NFL draft. Smith's size and quick feet are very intriguing, especially given his production as a starter the past two seasons, when he totaled nine interceptions and 15 pass breakups. A first-team All-Mountain West pick in 2008, Smith presents a nice size/speed combination to match up against bigger receivers. He actually began his career at wide receiver, playing there as a redshirt freshman (although he had seven rushes and only one catch) until the last two games of the season.

Marks struggled through his least impressive season from a statistical perspective but elected to declare for the draft at the end of his junior season. Marks posted 32 tackles, including 10 behind the line of scrimmage, in 2008 and leaves Auburn with 114 career stops, including 30 tackles for loss. The short, squatty Marks has bulk and strength to rank as one of the draft's top run defenders and earned second-team All-SEC honors as a junior despite struggling through the second half of the season with an ankle injury.

Nationally underrated, Olsen leaves Iowa as a first-team All-Big Ten selection and a rising prospect on NFL boards due to his size, strength, durability and versatility. A four-year contributor, Olsen started each of the past two seasons, primarily on the right side of the line, but also seeing some action at left tackle. He was first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media and coaches while primarily at right guard in 2008 after garnering honorable mention honors at right tackle as a junior. A strong showing throughout the week at the East-West Shrine Game might have secured Olsen's place as a second-day draft selection. Had an arm span of 33 1/8 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

A four-year starter and three-time Conference USA honoree, Nelson is one of the more accomplished of a strong senior class of tight ends - and has the athletic upside to improve. Athletic enough to line up in the slot or out of the three-point stance, Nelson has the size and burst teams are looking for in a receiving specialist and the production to back up his potential. A Senior Bowl invitee, Nelson leaves Southern Miss among the most productive pass-catchers in school history with 157 receptions for 2,054 yards and 16 touchdowns. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

The success of former Troy defenders Leodis McKelvin and DeMarcus Ware makes the Alabama school a favorite visit for scouts mining for "sleepers." Part of the Trojans' first-team All-Sun Belt safety duo in 2008 -- he teamed with Terence Moore -- Martin's versatility was evident in every game. He had 90 tackles and four interceptions in 2008 (nine career) just one season after making nine tackles for loss in eight games as a junior. Martin's future might be at cornerback because of his size-speed combination.

Greene returned from a one-year hiatus at Kirkwood Community College and working at a furniture store to finish second in the country in rushing with 1,850 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2008. After running for a total of 205 yards over his first two seasons in Iowa City, Greene emerged as the country's most consistent runner, rushing for at least 100 yards in all 13 of Iowa's games last year, including a 121-yard, three-touchdown performance against a stout South Carolina defense in the Hawkeyes' 31-10 Outback Bowl victory. Five years removed from high school (he spent one year at Milford Academy after graduation), the 2008 Doak Walker Award winner and consensus All-American decided to leave for the NFL. Had an arm span of 31 3/4 inches and a hand span of 8 1/2 inches at the combine.

Outside linebacker Aaron Curry deserved the spotlight, but Arnoux, a four-year starter who never earned all-conference accolades, also received a Combine invitation. Considering that the 42-game starter leaves the Demon Deacons with 251 career stops, it's easy to see why. A steady presence in the middle, Arnoux lacks rare athleticism, but his reliable tackling between the hashes make him a late-round possibility for clubs in need of an inside thumper.

Earned second-team All-Mountain West honors as a junior after being a special teams coverage leader his first two seasons. Hodge followed that up with a first-team All-Mountain West performance as a senior, making 91 tackles including 10 for loss. His eight sacks led all Football Bowl Subdivision defensive backs in 2007, though he basically played linebacker in TCU's defense and blitzed often. The question for NFL teams will be whether he's a safety, weak-side linebacker or a special teams player.

Few quarterbacks will ever be drafted after starting only three games their senior year, but McGee has the tools worthy of consideration. A fine Texas high school quarterback recruited by several top programs, McGee went to Texas A&M to make his own name. While his statistics under former head coach Dennis Franchione were solid enough to earn NFL attention (60 percent completion rate for 4,606 yards and a 24-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio), McGee was hardly developing into a pro-ready quarterback through Franchione's read-option offense. With former Green Bay head coach Mike Sherman taking over the helm in 2008, optimism was high that McGee would enjoy a big senior campaign. Then he suffered a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder early in the season, limiting him to only the three starts. A solid week of practice at the East-West Shrine Game - and this year's weak senior class of quarterbacks - could result in McGee earning a surprisingly high grade from some teams who are willing to look past his stunted development and focus on his undeniable tools. Had an arm span of 32 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

A three-time All-Big 12 honoree, Sulak has the production and burst upfield to generate interest from every NFL team. He shared freshman of the year honors with tight end Chase Coffman of the Tigers, starting the final seven games of that season for Missouri and finishing with 38 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. Sulak's production increased as he gained experience, topping out with eye-popping numbers as a senior -- 55 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and an NCAA-leading six forced fumbles. With opposing offenses focusing much of their attention upon Missouri's other defenders, Sulak's production was inflated. Without the bulk to remain at defensive end full time in the NFL, he'll have to show he has the athleticism to make the transition to linebacker to avoid the "tweener" label.

It's very fitting that a player named Taurus plays for the USF Bulls. Johnson has flashed playmaking ability throughout his career, averaging 36 catches for 466 yards and four scores over the past three seasons. Although he has been inconsistent and will not be confused for a track star anytime soon, Johnson's has been QB Matt Groethe's go-to receiver. His size, hands, quick feet and kick return experience make him a potential No. 3 receiver and special teams contributor at the next level. Had an arm span of 31 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 5/8 inches at the combine.

Knighton's large body and fair athleticism is coveted by NFL scouts. The 2008 first-team All-MAC pick contributed heavily as a true freshman (after a post-graduate year at Milford Academy) before earning the starting nod in each of the next three seasons. He averaged 56 tackles, 7.5 for loss and four pass breakups from 2006-2008, while recovering six fumbles and blocking four kicks over the past two years. Teams looking for a one-gap 4-3 nose tackle will be most interested in Knighton.

A fire hydrant run-stopper in the middle of the defense, he can collapse the pocket and aggravate quarterbacks, all while making life easier for his teammates on the line. He flashed skills as a freshman, and was a starter in the middle the past three seasons. Much was expected out of Taylor after earning a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2007 (55 tackles, 8.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks), but his play noticeably dropped off as a senior (35 tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks). Taylor's push up the middle is certain to intrigue teams looking for a plugger on the D-line, but his lack of improvement as a senior and struggles at the East-West Shrine Game put him in the middle or late portion of the second day in this draft.

Morstead is a three-year starter, and twice all-Conference USA, as both the Mustangs' kicker and punter. Named honorable mention as a senior because of his 41.8-yard average, down from 44.6 as a junior. However, his 59 punts downed inside the 20-yard line -- as compared to only 10 touchbacks -- over the last three years makes scouts wonder if he could be a legitimate field-position weapon. Had an arm span of 32 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Jamison was one of the few bright spots in a year to forget for the Michigan program. Jamison contributed 50 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. While scouts acknowledge his consistency -- 2008 was the third consecutive season in which he posted at least five sacks -- much of his success is based on effort rather than standout quickness, strength or technique. An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection after each of the past two seasons, Jamison is no superstar, but in a class bereft of dependable pass rushers, his steady play will earn him consideration in the middle to late rounds.

A first-team All-SEC selection in 2008, Masthay is capable of helping an NFL team as a punter, kickoff specialist and a holder for placement kicks. Finished first in the SEC (and fifth nationally) with an average of 45.3 yards per punt. Masthay is viewed an ascending talent with the raw tools to work with and the dedication to his craft to stick in the NFL. Had an arm span of 30 5/8 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

Coming into his senior season, Underwood was a mid-round prospect because of his quickness and productivity. But like most of the rest of the Rutgers team, his stock fell early in 2008 because of inconsistent play. The 2007 first team All-Big East selection saw his production almost cut in half this year: 65-1100-7 to 40-494-5. Late in the fall, however, Underwood turned up the volume. His nine catches for 139 yards and three scores in wins against Louisville and North Carolina State helped end the Scarlet Knights' season on an up note. Had an arm span of 32 1/4 inches and a hand span of 8 1/2inches at the combine.

Brandstater is the latest Fresno State quarterback on the NFL's radar, although the three-year starter's raw skills still need a bit of polishing. His size, arm strength and surprising mobility make him an intriguing prospect, however - especially in a weak class of signal-callers. His statistics declined in 2008, completing only 59.6 percent of his passes after achieving a 65.6 percent rate in 2007 while his interceptions grew from five to 12. But his potential and tools will undoubtedly remind scouts of a mid-round mixture of 2007 draftees Joe Flacco and Kevin O'Connell. Had an arm span of 31 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

Teammate Curtis Brinkley would not have reached the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2008 without the lead blocking of Fiammetta. Syracuse coaches finally decided to use him in the backfield instead of just as an undersized tight end, and the results were very positive. But the former top Maryland recruit as a tailback (until he broke his left leg in his second game his senior season) is not just a hammer. The combination of his blocking and receiving skills (16 catches for 127 yards, one touchdown) give him a chance to start at the next level. Had an arm span of 31 inches and a hand span of 9 3/8 inches at the combine.

Beckum is a pass-catching specialist built more like an overgrown receiver than a traditional NFL tight end. He had 75 catches for 982 yards and six touchdowns in an All-American junior season, but his growth was stunted a bit as he missed the last half of 2008 with a broken left fibula. Played linebacker his first season at Wisconsin after an outstanding high school career on defense, so his potential as a mismatch for safeties and linebackers is still untapped. Durability concerns and differing opinions on his value may cause Beckham's stock to drop, especially if he's not fully healthy for workouts. Had an arm span of 34 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

While the BYU offense is often characterized as a pass-heavy attack based on the success of junior quarterback Max Hall, the Cougars had the components to be one of the nation's elite inside running teams. Much of the credit is due right guard Travis Bright. Bright has the lateral quickness to hold up in the passing game, but his size and explosive upper-body strength are the characteristics that intrigue NFL scouts. Bright also showed the toughness required to make the transition to the NFL by making it back in time to start for his third season at guard, after suffering a broken leg in the bowl victory over UCLA in January of 2008.

A strong and dependable interior blocker, Canfield has started since the end of his redshirt freshman season, missing only one game in his college career. A three-time second-team All-Big East pick -- as a left guard in 2007 and right guard in '06 and '08. NFL teams using a zone-blocking scheme will especially like his ability to block on the move. He may even make the move to right tackle because of his size and athleticism. Had an arm span of 32 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.