DRAFT TRACKER 2009

Blessed with the combination of size and athleticism that warranted the Dallas Cowboys drafting his younger brother, former Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett, scouts are still waiting to see Michael take his game to the next level. A solid performer at either defensive end spot, Bennett has a combination of pass-rushing length and run-stopping strength on the edge. Big 12 coaches recognized Bennett's talent in 2007, when he was named honorable mention All-Big 12 despite starting only one game. Was a full-time starter in 2008 and posted statistics worthy of postseason honors (42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks), but he was not recognized.

There simply was nothing more for Crabtree to prove at the collegiate level after winning the Biletnikoff Award in both seasons playing in Texas Tech coach Mike Leach's high-octane offense. The All-American racked up 231 catches for 3,127 yards and 41 touchdowns in just two years after dominating the scout team practices his redshirt season. He also had the play of the year in 2008 with his amazing touchdown catch against Texas to seal Tech's upset in Lubbock. Unlike past productive receivers in Leach's offense, Crabtree's size, strength and pure playmaking ability would have enabled him to produce in any collegiate system, and scouts expect the success to continue at the next level. Had an arm span of 34 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Blessed with rare size, long arms and the burst off the snap to generate an instant pass rush off the edge, Johnson has exciting potential. To this point, however, that's mostly what Johnson has been -- potential. He garnered first-team All-ACC honors as a senior with 17.5 TFL and nine sacks but his play was spotty. A lot of his numbers were amassed against poor competition. Johnson might have a future as a pass-rushing linebacker in the 3-4 scheme so he can use his length and agility in coverage.

Oher (pronounced "Oar") arrived at Ole Miss with much fanfare -- partially because of his mammoth body and excellent athleticism and partially due to the Michael Lewis book "The Blind Side" detailing Oher's childhood and recruitment. Despite only two years of high school football -- one year on the offensive line -- he was named a Freshman All-American as a starter at right guard in 2005, then a second-team All-SEC left tackle as a sophomore before garnering first-team honors as a junior. Oher considered going pro, but returned intent on improving his run blocking and overall physicality. Oher raised his draft stock, earning All-American accolades along the way. Oher may not be able to duplicate Jake Long's feat of being the first player drafted overall, but many NFL scouts believe he is the draft's top talent. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 3/8 inches at the combine.

Goodson looked like one of college football's rising stars in 2006, using his speed and elusiveness to rush for 949 yards and win Big 12 Freshman of the Year in his first season in College Station. He also flashed big-time talent in his sophomore year as part of a three-back rotation (711 rushing yards, 36 catches for 361 yards, eight total touchdowns). His 2008 role was limited, however, by injuries and good talent in the backfield. Goodson managed only 406 yards on 94 rushes, but he did catch 37 balls for 386 yards and three touchdowns. Goodson's versatility and excellent speed give him the tools to be an impact player in the NFL, but with reports about frosty relationships with both the current and former A&M coaching staffs, some scouts wonder if his immaturity is worth the gamble. Had an arm span of 32 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 7/8 inches at the combine.

Hamlin lacks the physicality of Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin (no relation), but like the former Arkansas star, Michael Hamlin has been a standout throughout his college career. As a redshirt freshman, he earned second-team freshman All-American honors in 2005. Hamlin emerged as one of the most productive safeties in the country as a junior, earning second-team All-ACC accolades after finishing among conference leaders with 97 tackles and four interceptions. Hamlin received first-team honors and ranked among FBS leaders with six interceptions, tying the school record of 19 for his career.

A dominant performer since stepping onto the field for the Bearcats, Mickens earned second-team All-Big East accolades his first two seasons and first-team honors in 2007 (six interceptions) and '08 (70 tackles, four interceptions, nine pass breakups). Mickens plays with the legitimate speed and burst to the ball to force opposing quarterbacks to think twice before challenging his side of the field. There are concerns, however, about his pure speed. A medical check is required after he had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in November, although he did play pretty well at less than full strength in the Orange Bowl.

After redshirting at Washington State as a third-string quarterback, Reilly decided he didn't want to bide his time waiting for playing time. Central Washington offered him a chance to start right away, and he never looked back. The 2008 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year wooed scouts to CWU with his size, athleticism and outstanding production. He completed 64 percent of his passes over his four years as a starter for 12,448 yards, 118 touchdowns and only 40 interceptions. Still, he has some questions to answer about his arm strength and the level of competition he faced before being more than a late-round pick or priority free agent. Had an arm span of 33 1/4 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

Thomas may be shorter than scouts would like, but he has everything else to buck the odds as an undersized NFL receiver. Thomas' reliable hands, crisp routes, agility and straight-line speed make him a legitimate playmaker as a receiver and return specialist. The Pac-10's all-time leader with 259 receptions, Thomas twice earned first-team all-conference accolades, registering 157 catches and 15 touchdowns over his final two seasons. Wanting to show scouts that he could contribute on special teams as well, Thomas moved to punt returner as a senior, scoring two touchdowns and garnering first-team All-Pac-10 accolades. Sure, he lacks size, but a slot receiver with Thomas' return ability will find his way into the middle of teams' draft boards. Had an arm span of 31 inches and a hand span of 9 3/8 inches at the combine.

Few attributes attract NFL scouts more than pure speed. Wallace certainly has that. Despite starting three years for the Rebels, he didn't establish himself as one capable of taking advantage of his speed until he averaged 18.9 yards on 38 receptions as a junior. A year later, Wallace's speed was even more lethal, as he averaged 20.1 yards per reception and scored a career-high seven touchdowns. Wallace is still a work in progress as a route-runner, but his ability to stretch defenses deep as an outside receiver and special teams wide on kickoff returns could land him a second-day draft selection from an NFL team looking to catch lightning in a bottle. Had an arm span of 31 3/8 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

A first-team All-Big Ten pick in each of the past two seasons at defensive tackle, King's pro future could be at defensive end or linebacker -- the position he played in high school. The epitome of consistency and durability, King was a four-year starter and averaged 57 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks per season. A classic overachiever, King's relative lack of size belies his strength and refined technique at the point of attack. King will be considered a "tweener" by many due to his size, but his instincts, technique and passion for the game make him more than the sum of his parts.

Massaquoi entered the 2008 season as a solid three-year contributor for the Bulldogs, averaging 33 catches for 454 yards and three touchdowns from 2005-2007 and piquing the interest of NFL scouts. The tall, smooth receiver stepped up his play considerably as a senior, catching 58 passes for 920 yards and eight touchdowns, while also extending his streak of consecutive games with a reception to 33. The breakout performance earned him first-team All-SEC honors from the conference coaches. His coaches and teammates, however, appreciated Massaquoi as a leader as much as a player -- especially in the way he served as a mentor to star freshman A.J. Green. Had an arm span of 33 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 7/8 inches at the combine.

A former walk-on who transferred after one season at Frostburg State, he immediately made an impression on the Maryland coaches even during his NCAA mandated transfer season, earning scout MVP accolades twice. Played sparingly behind Erin Henderson at weak-side linebacker in 2006, but switched to the strong side in 2007 and started the next two years there, registering 84 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles in 2007 and emerging as the only ACC defender to record more than 75 tackles (77) and five sacks on the year. Despite his experience there, lacks the bulk scouts prefer, but his athleticism and secure tackling make him a potential immediate special teamer and an intriguing developmental prospect for the weakside.

Named honorable mention All-Big Ten as a junior, Trent faced heightened expectations in 2008. A four-year starter with height and straight-line speed, he has long legs that cause him problems changing direction with fluidity, allowing receivers just enough separation to get open. Trent has enough tools to warrant a second-day selection, but scouts wonder if he has the fluidity for man coverage or the toughness and burst to play off-man or zone at the next level.

After biding his time behind very good West Virginia linebackers and recovering from a torn ACL suffered in 2006 spring practice, Ivy stood out as a two-year starter. The 2008 first-team All-Big East selection made 179 tackles, 18 for loss, and four interceptions over the past two seasons. His strength near the line of scrimmage and ability in coverage make him a strong-side linebacker prospect.

A four-year starter, Pryor emerged as a legitimate playmaker for the Wildcats as a senior, earning second-team All-SEC honors as a part of an underrated defensive line. Pryor had 107 career tackles, including 20.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. NFL scouts wonder if his breakout senior campaign had more to do with the talent around him, but a solid week of practice at the East-West Shrine Game may have cemented Pryor's status as a draftworthy prospect.

One of the more intriguing prospects in this year's draft, Davis' athletic and playmaking abilities make some scouts believe he can be special. Statistically (7,258 yards, 56 touchdowns, 14 interceptions passing in 2006-2007), he matches up with other successful MAC quarterbacks of the past, including Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich. Davis turned his production into postseason accolades, winning first-team all-conference the past two seasons. "Nate the Great" led the Cardinals to a 12-0 start and a No. 12 overall ranking before he and the team sputtered in the final two games off 2008 -- a loss to Buffalo in the MAC Championship and to Tulsa in the GMAC Bowl. The 2008 MAC Offensive Player of the Year, Davis elected to take advantage of a poor senior class of quarterbacks and declared for the draft after his junior campaign. He is one of only four quarterbacks -- all underclassmen -- thought of having a possibility to be drafted in the first two rounds. Had an arm span of 32 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.

Many scouts look at Swift on the hoof and say, "This guy's a player?" But it doesn't take much time watching film to see he's more than just another jersey on the field. He started at least six games in each of his first three seasons in Lincoln, averaging 34 catches, 522 yards and four touchdowns. His game went to another level in 2008, as he was named honorable mention All-Big 12 as a receiver (led Nebraska with 69-941-10) and punt returner (23-296-1). Swift's reliable hands, consistent routes and sneaky speed could land him on an NFL roster as a rookie. Had an arm span of 30 7/8 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Since starting alongside fellow true freshman Reggie Smith (now with the San Francisco 49ers) in 2005, the versatile Harris has been making plays all over the field for the Sooners. Athletic and instinctive, Harris has earned playing time at cornerback, free safety, strong safety, middle linebacker and special teams. His production is unquestioned, leading to all-conference honors each of the past three years, including back-to-back first-team All-Big 12 honors as a junior and senior. Scouts differ as to Harris' best pro position, as he appears a bit stiff in his transition and may lack the pure speed to remain at safety.

Martin went from a walk-on to all-conference selection the final two seasons of his career. He could once again be facing an uphill battle in the NFL. While Martin was explosive enough to rack up 15.5 career sacks for the Hokies, he's viewed by pro scouts as a classic "tweener." Martin needs a strong performance in workouts to prove that he has the athleticism to handle playing back in space, as he lacks the bulk necessary to remain at defensive end.

Hill surprised many by declaring his intention to enter the NFL Draft after his true junior season, although it wasn't shocking given the likely platoon at the position for the Badgers in 2009 and the short lifespan of NFL running backs. In three seasons with the Badgers, he rushed for almost 4,000 yards and 42 touchdowns. Although he was productive at Wisconsin, he doesn't rate as excellent in any one facet of his game and scouts wonder if he'll hold up in the pros considering his injury history and physical running style. Had an arm span of 32 1/2 inches at the combine.

After only one season of high school football, Egboh was originally recruited to play defensive end in the 3-4 alignment, and he has the length and strength to transition back to this scheme at the next level. With the Cardinal switching to a 4-3 alignment in 2007, Egboh posted career highs in tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (six) and appeared destined for greater things as a senior. Lacking the burst off the snap to leave offensive tackles off-balance, Egboh struggled as a senior, turning in a disappointing 3.5 tackles for loss and only 1.5 sacks. Without the speed to generate a consistent pass rush, Egboh could fall on draft day. His size and experience could be better utilized if drafted into a 3-4 scheme. In this alignment, Egboh could surprise and develop into a quality contributor early in his NFL career.

With apologies to 1980's West Virginia QB Major Harris, many consider White to be the best player ever to suit up in Morgantown. He was the first quarterback in the history of college football to start, set an all-time rushing record for quarterbacks and won everything from All-American honors to Big East Offensive Player of the Year (twice) and three bowl game MVPs. Teams will have to decide where he fits in the NFL before making him a top 75 selection, however. Does he have the size and skills to play quarterback? Some scouts think he has earned the right to try with his 2008 performance (1,842 yards passing, 65.7 completion percentage, 21 touchdowns vs. seven interceptions). Or does he have the hands to switch to receiver? There is no question about his speed, toughness or leadership abilities, however. He'll get a shot somewhere, somehow. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Consistent, versatile safeties like Chung are worth their weight in gold to NFL teams. Chung was again named first-team All-Pac 10 as a senior. A veteran with 51 career starts led the team with 117 tackles in 2007, and made 92 stops in 2008 along with 6.5 tackles for loss and six pass breakups. Possesses the agility of a defensive back and the hard-hitting and production of a linebacker; should challenge for consideration as a top-50 pick.

High profile disappointments Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett might have tainted scouts' perceptions of tall USC receivers, but a breakout 2008 campaign and subsequent impressive Senior Bowl has scouts rethinking their stance on Turner. After only flashing the potential promised when the highly-regarded high school recruit from Nashville signed with the Trojans, Turner finally unleashed his talents in his senior season, earning second-team All-Pac-10 accolades by catching 49 passes for 741 yards and 10 touchdowns. With a playmaker opposite him (junior Damian Williams), Turner's 6-5, 221-pound frame and surprisingly quick feet helped him become one of the country's better possession receivers. If similarly protected in the NFL, he could be the first big receiver from the land of Troy since Keyshawn Johnson to make good on his unique talents. Had an arm span of 33 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 5/8 inches at the combine.

A former walk-on, Fanaika has used his unique combination of size, surprising foot quickness and determination to develop into one of the better, more underrated interior linemen in the country. Fanaika has intriguing upside for the next level -- if scouts can find a place for him. Despite starting three years at right guard for the Sun Devils, Fanaika's struggles with leverage could pose problems against shorter, powerful defensive tackles. There are some who believe Fanaika's future lies at right tackle, where his size and arm length could be beneficial, but with questionable lateral quickness and no experience outside, it is a projection likely only worthy of a late-round pick. Had an arm span of 35 inches and a hand span of 10 7/8 inches at the combine.

It was not much of a surprise to see Kruger leave school after an outstanding sophomore season. He spent two years on a LDS mission after his 2004 redshirt season and is older than most players in this class. Kruger made first-team All-Mountain West in 2008 with 61 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and seven pass breakups. Survived a knife attack during a fight outside a party in January 2008, during which he came to the aid of a friend. Had a kidney removed after a childhood car accident. His father, Paul, played football at Oregon State. Kruger's potential is very exciting for scouts who must decide whether he can fill out his frame at his relatively advanced age or will play defensive end or stand up in a 3-4 scheme.

Harvin's speed and elusiveness in the open field makes him a special prospect, whether teams project him as a receiver or running back. He arrived in Gainesville as one of the top recruits in the country because of his ultra-productive high school football and track career in Virginia. So his early departure from Florida was expected after a first-team All-SEC junior season. His versatility as a runner (660 yards on only 70 carries - 9.4-yard average - and 10 scores) and receiver (644-40-16.1-7) also made him an all-purpose All-American in 2008. Had an arm span of 31 5/8 inches and a hand span of 9 3/8 inches at the combine. Harvin's durability will be an issue, but his propensity to get big yardage on every touch -- even when less than 100 percent -- will likely allay any fears teams have about making him a mid-to-late first-round pick.

Possesses rare burst off the snap, lateral quickness and a nose for the football. Emerged as one of the flashiest prospects at any position in the 2009 draft. A highly touted prep prospect, Jerry spent the 2004 season with Hargrave Military Academy before arriving at Mississippi. He broke out as a junior, earning second team All-SEC accolades by finishing with 58 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss. Often faced two blockers in 2008, when Jerry improved his play behind the line and led the SEC with 18 tackles for loss. He was a four-time SEC Defender of the Week as a senior, and raised his stock even more with a dominating week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He's likely to be a top-20 pick in April.

It didn't matter the level, Loadholt earned All-American honors throughout his career. An All-American in his two seasons at Garden City Community College, Loadholt emerged as one of the nation's most dominant additions in 2007 before earning third-team All-American honors in his second season in the Big 12. At 6-8 and nearing 350 pounds, Loadholt is aptly named and has the size, strength and flexibility to be a dominant drive blocker in the running game. A left tackle for the Sooners, Loadholt does not possess the initial quickness needed to remain at this critical position in the NFL. With a deep enough kick-slide to move to right tackle to go along with dominance in the running game, Loadholt has early-round potential. Had an arm span of 36 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

The elder statesman for the Longhorns, Cosby's 26 years put him in almost a default leadership position. But leaders also need to produce on the field, and Cosby has done that. An all-purpose threat in the previous two seasons, he excelled as a go-to guy for QB Colt McCoy in 2008, garnering honorable mention All-Big 12 honors after making 92 catches for 1,123 yards and 10 scores. Cosby played four years of minor league baseball (receiving an $825,000 signing bonus from the Angels) before finally matriculating to Texas. His penchant for the big play - including the game winner against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl - could force teams to consider him in the late rounds even if he is older and smaller than they'd prefer. Had an arm span of 30 1/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

After a quiet start to his LSU career, Johnson finished it with a Senior Bowl invite. Coaches asked him to move from linebacker to fullback before spring 2006 practices after he played only one game as a sophomore. He took on the challenge even though he was a bit reluctant to get off the defensive side of the ball. Johnson didn't get a lot of carries (three touchdowns on 14 rushes as senior) or chances to catch the ball (two receptions for 33 yards). But frankly, he just likes to hit people whether lined up on offense, defense or special teams units. Had an arm span of 32 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 3/8 inches at the combine.

Lawrence brings speed to the table, and plenty of it. He averaged 19.5 yards on each of his 87 receptions coming into the year, earning second-team All-Southland as a junior. Unfortunately a mid-season lower leg injury cost him a large chunk of his senior campaign; he had only 12 catches for 209 yards and a touchdown in five games this season. He did, however, play some defensive back and take his only career punt return 70 yards for a touchdown. His speed and elusiveness give him a chance to make a team as a returner and fourth receiver/cornerback if he checks out medically. Qualified for the NCAA regionals as a sprinter for the McNeese track squad. Had an arm span of 30 1/4 inches and a hand span of 8 1/4 inches at the combine.

Harris only produced three tackles in his first two seasons in Eugene, but the light started to come on during his junior season. He then stepped up his game as a first-year starter in 2008, making 47 tackles, nine tackles for loss and sacking the opponents' quarterback three times. His ability to take up blockers made everyone on the line more effective. His potential as a interior presence could get him drafted.

Foster is a three-year starter who won Freshman All-SEC honors in 2005 after stepping in at left guard and right tackle due to injuries. He primarily started at right tackle the past three seasons, but he will be tried inside and outside at the next level to see where he fits best. Foster was named to the ESPN Mark May's 2007 "MayDay Team" after playing with a broken thumb throughout most of his junior season. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

Scouts who hadn't seen Barden play until his Mustangs took on annual Big Ten contender Wisconsin in Madison late in 2008 were pleasantly surprised by his skills. He has won numerous All-American and all-conference accolades, but production at the FCS level (122 catches for 2,724 yards - a 21.9-yard average - and 36 touchdowns the past two seasons) does not always translate to NFL success. But he proved himself more than just a tall jump-ball threat against the Badgers, and teams took notice. If he's not a first-day pick, his name should be called early Sunday morning. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 3/4 inches at the combine.

A Walter Camp All-American who transferred from Pittsburgh after a successful freshman season (411 rushing yards) to be closer to his father, who suffers from diabetes. Jennings had surgery on a broken pinky finger in early September last season, but still rushed for 1,500 yards (his third consecutive 1,000-yard season) with his bruising yet nimble running style. The twice-named Big South Offensive Player of the Year also showed some versatility by making 24 receptions in 2008. Had an arm span of 32 inches and a hand span of 10 3/8 inches at the combine.

A former walk-on running back, Johnson played a key role in Alabama's renaissance. An instinctive defender characterized as a coach on the field, Johnson was repeatedly able to make big plays for the Crimson Tide at critical moments, including intercepting three passes in Nick Saban's triumphant return to Tiger Stadium. Scouts love Johnson's cerebral play, but some have reservations about his size and open-field tackling at the NFL level. Unless he's able to pack on some pounds and still post an impressive workout, the All-American could be waiting until the second day of the draft to hear his name called.

A highly recruited prep star who turned down the likes of Southern California, Notre Dame and Oregon to play at Brigham Young, Feinga leaves BYU as a two-time first-team All-MWC pick at left guard and a potential middle-round pick. Blessed with great size, surprising balance and long arms, Feinga is more consistent in pass protection than as a run blocker, though he lacks the lateral quickness to fit in every NFL offense. Had an arm span of 33 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

A more consistent playmaker than Keith Rivers -- selected 10th overall by the Bengals in 2008 -- Maualuga might be the most explosive hitter in the draft. Blessed with a prototypical combination of size and athleticism, Maualuga has the speed to beat the running back wide and the bulk to be a punisher on the inside. Maualuga impressed scouts with his ability to rush the passer during drills at the Senior Bowl and delivered six sacks as a junior (zero as a senior). His penchant for big plays in coverage make him one of the few inside linebackers of this class capable of playing all three downs. A three-time all-conference selection and 2009 All-American, Maualuga is a difference-maker worthy of a top-20 selection in the 2009 draft.

Signed by Oklahoma out of high school, Bomar played well as a redshirt freshman, winning the Holiday Bowl MVP in the Sooners' win over Oregon. However, he was dismissed from the team after accepting larger-than-earned paychecks from a Norman car dealership. His draft stock is still on the rise because his athleticism and arm strength are coveted by scouts in this weak senior quarterback class. The second-team All-Southland pick (3,355 yards, 27 touchdown passes) showed Kansas this September that his skills are still FBS-caliber as he threw for 340 yards despite his team being completely overmatched. Had an arm span of 32 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.