DRAFT TRACKER 2009

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.

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.

The Falcons needed to get better inside on defense and Peria Jerry is the '3 tech' tackle to get the job done. Safety William Moore, the team's second round pick, has to come through with Lawyer Milloy off the roster. DE Lawrence Sidbury, was one of the day's better mid-round picks -- a guy who can really get after opposing quarterbacks and should find himself on the field in pass situations.

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.

A month before the draft, the Seahawks didn't figure Aaron Curry would fall to them. But after trading away Julian Peterson to the Lions, it all fell in place that his replacement would be right there at the top of the draft. Max Unger is a versatile lineman that has played tackle, guard and center and will break into the starting lineup this summer. Keep your eye on Rutgers QB Mike Teel. He will sit for a few years behind Matt Hasselbeck but he has the skills to play in the NFL. The team could still use a corner and a left tackle.

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.

Instead of moving out of the No. 8 spot in the first round, the Jaguars got a 10-year offensive tackle in Eugene Monroe and came right back in the second round for another tackle, Eben Britton. Overnight the Jags turned a weakness into a big strength. They may have considered a quarterback but they will like the wide receivers they picked. Mike Thomas and Jarett Dillard can really catch the ball and move the chains. Rashard Jennings, the running back out of Liberty, was a steal at pick No. 250 and will be a capable backup to Maurice Jones-Drew.

Gardner earned his second consecutive first-team All-ACC recognition in 2008 despite missing the final four games following surgery on a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He had played through the injury most of the fall, which was no surprise given his streak of 48 consecutive starts up to that point. Although not particularly special in any one area, Gardner's sturdiness and dependability up front is not overlooked by NFL teams. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 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.

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

McKenna "Bear" Pascoe is a throwback tight end with good receiving skills to move the chains as well as the size and strength to contribute as a run blocker. He had 85 catches for 953 yards and eight touchdowns over the past two seasons, earning first-team All-WAC in 2007 and second-team honors as a senior. He earns his nickname by running tough after contact and doubling as an award-winning cowboy (calf roping). Also a standout special team performer, Pascoe blocked six kicks over his career, including two in 2008. Had an arm span of 33 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 3/4 inches at the combine.

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

Finally, the Redskins found a pass rusher to play opposite Andre Carter with the selection of DE Brian Orakpo. The team didn't have many picks, and by time they went again at No. 80, eight offense tackles were drafted and the cupboard was bare. They would like to get young at offensive tackle and are not likely to sign an old veteran this spring.

The 2008 first-team All-Big East free safety showed nice versatility playing cornerback after senior star Mike Mickens went down with a knee injury. Underwood played only sparingly in three years (including a redshirt season) at Ohio State, then had his scholarship revoked due to missed meetings and academic issues. But in his only year playing for the Bearcats, Underwood proved to be a playmaker, recording 60 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, three interceptions, six pass deflections and two forced fumbles. His brother, E.J., played briefly in the NFL after playing at Ohio State and Pikeville College.

Lots of mock drafts had a running back going to the Texans but offensive line coach Alex Gibbs didn't want to waste a pick on a back. He develops runners in his system. Linebacker Brian Cushing and DE Connor Barwin will beef up a defense in need of an identity. The passing game has Gary Kubiak's signature, but the Texans have become tight end happy, taking two more even though pro bowler Owen Daniels is on the roster. Another running back this spring might be a good idea.

Steady, no-nonsense strong safety ended his career with 34 starts and earning first-team All-Pac-10 honors after each of the past two seasons. An instinctive defender, Ellison has morphed into a coach on the field for the Trojans. While every other member of the USC defensive backfield is superior as an all-around athlete, Ellison, who was lightly recruited out of high school, makes up for a lack of eye-popping measureables with intelligence, physicality and a penchant for making the big play. Of concern to scouts, is whether Ellison has the straight-line speed to handle the transition to the NFL, especially considering the three knee operations he's undergone while at USC.

When you add Jay Cutler to the draft, it might be the best in the NFL. The Bears had no first day picks, but still managed to grab the very athletic defensive lineman Jarron Gilbert and wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias. later-round picks like CB D.J. Moore and LB Marcus Freeman should make the team and contribute on special teams and as backups. They don't need much more for 2009.

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

The 41.7 million guaranteed to Matthew Stafford said that he was their guy the whole time. Brandon Pettigrew was the best tight end in the draft, which makes him a solid pick later in the first. The top of the second round had most people thinking James Laurinaitis or Rey Maualuga instead of CB Louis Delmas. The Lions still need a middle linebacker to run this defense.

The 'Huskers relied on Slauson to step in where needed throughout his four-year career. A second-team All-Big 12 pick at right guard as a senior, he started at both tackle spots and right guard in 2007, at right tackle for all but two games in 2007 (leg injury) and in three games as a true freshman. Slauson's versatility, size and strength are exactly what NFL teams (especially those using zone-blocking schemes) look for in a late-round offensive line prospect. Had an arm span of 33 1/8 inches and a hand span of 10 1/2 inches at the combine.

Gibson's production took a downturn as a senior, mostly because of constant double-teams and poor quarterback/offensive line play. He went from being the Pac-10's leading receiver in 2007 (67 receptions for 1,180 yards and nine touchdowns) to making only 57 catches for 673 yards and two scores this past season. Gibson still has NFL size, speed and hands, and his experience as a feature receiver in multiple offenses makes him one of the more NFL-ready senior receivers. He also boasts NFL bloodlines, as his uncle, Vaughn Williams, was a defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts. Had an arm span of 32 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 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.

The Rams were serious about Mark Sanchez instead went with Jason Smith to plug in at left tackle. LB James Laurinaitis in the second round was an outright gift and a perfect fit to run the defense. It may take Rams GM Billy Devaney two years to turn this franchise around but he is on the right path. What Spagnuolo's defense still needs are some 'jokers' who can rush the passer or drop into coverage.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

Al Davis still calls the shots in Oakland and that will not change. People have criticized the Raiders for taking WR Darrius Heyward-Bey too early and then selecting Mike Mitchell in the second round, a safety that many had as a second-day pick. Heyward-Bey gives the Raiders a deep threat and they have the quarterback in JaMarcus Russell to get it to him off the play-action fake to Darren McFadden. The Raiders still need to pick up a left tackle if one becomes available. Levi Jones could help this situation if he is cut by Cincinnati.

The Titans were criticized last year for not taking a wide receiver, but got a heck of a player in WR Kenny Britt this time around. Defensive lineman Sen'Derrick Marks had some bad games on tape, but played a number of games injured last season. The Titans have always loved tight ends and they grabbed another good one in Jared Cook in the third round. Keep an eye on fifth-round pick Javon Ringer, a running back from Michigan State. Lendale White is in the last year of his contract and Ringer can play. The Titans may still be interested in a veteran corner or defensive end.

Davis, a former wide receiver and tight end, registered 12.5 tackles for loss, including 9.5 sacks, as a junior to earn second-team All-Big Ten honors. But he took a step backward in 2008 with teams having a year of film to study, and his production plummeted (seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks). Davis has rare foot quickness and straight-line speed -- to be expected of a former receiver -- for a defensive end, though he was sapped of some of that speed by nagging ankle injuries. His lack of upper-body strength and hand technique usually means that if blockers can get their hands on him, he's rendered ineffective quickly. A team willing to spend a second-day draft pick could get a nice return on their initial investment if they can get Davis to work in the weight room.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NFL scouts will say Scott is not really fast, big or strong. But he is simply one of the most productive runners in college football history. The 2008 Harlon Hill Trophy winner and two-time AP Little All-American rushed for 4,321 yards and 63 touchdowns from 2007-08, adding 93 receptions for 1,391 yards and 10 scores. That doesn't even take into consideration his All-American 2006 season at Blinn JC (1,892 yards, 27 TDs) and a freshman year (played at Central Arkansas, from which his current ACU head coach came) in which he gained 1,026 yards and 11 touchdowns. Had an arm span of 31 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine. However, his checkered past may catch up with him. He was kicked off his high school team for being part of a fight off campus, dismissed from Central Arkansas for - among other things - hitting a coach and has had multiple additional run-ins with police. Scott's combination of excellent vision and quick feet make him a fourth-round talent. But character issues will require a strong recommendation of Scott's improved maturity (he did turn 25 in February) from coaches. That could get him a late-round selection or priority free agent call.