Penn State
Maurice Evans, DE, Penn State Height: 6-2. Weight: 270.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Combine 40 Time: 4.99.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.75.
Benchx225: 17. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): FA.
1/9/09: Aside from Mark Mangino not landing a Dunkin Donuts endorsement deal, Maurice Evans’ three-sack campaign was the biggest disappointment in college football this year.
11/16/08: A huge disappointment. After getting into trouble this offseason, Maurice Evans has just two sacks in seven games.
5/7/08: Maurice Evans didn’t do much in 2006, but he made huge strides last year, accumulating 12.5 sacks as a mere sophomore.
Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State Height: 6-4. Weight: 253.
Projected 40 Time: 4.61.
Combine 40 Time: 4.89.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.59.
Benchx225: 22. Vertical: 40.5.
Projected Round (2009): Top 15 Pick.
3/22/09: Like night and day… after a horrific Combine, Aaron Maybin shined at Penn State’s Pro Day. Maybin put on four more pounds. He also dropped his 40 by three tenths. His vertical (40.5) and broad jump (10-10) had jaws dropping.
2/24/09: Mitch King ran just as fast as Aaron Maybin? Huh!? I’m telling you… I don’t know if it’s going to come out or not, but I really think someone screwed up the official 40s.
2/22/09: Better than 240, but 249 isn’t going to get Aaron Maybin many looks from 4-3 teams.
1/14/09: It’s that dreaded P-Word. Aaron Maybin, just 20 years old, is very undersized, but has tons of potential. Maybin, declaring as a redshirt sophomore, had just one productive year at Penn State. He collected 20 TFL and 12 sacks in 2008.
Jordan Norwood, WR, Penn State Height: 5-11. Weight: 179.
Projected 40 Time: 4.44.
Combine 40 Time: 4.57.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.55.
Vertical: 38. Broad: .
Projected Round (2009): FA.
2/23/09: I was shocked by how slow Jordan Norwood was in Indianapolis.
10/19/08: Jordan Norwood may look like he’s 12, but he plays the game in Beast Mode. Norwood had an eight-catch, 116-yard performance against Oregon State.
5/22/08: Like Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood is a talented receiver whose small frame will hinder his draft stock. And if Norwood doesn’t make it in the NFL, ESPN can just hire him as a bracketologist; he was one of the top finishers in the 2006 Facebook NCAA Tournament Bracket Challenge.
2007: Another small Penn State receiver who will probably be successful in the NFL. Jordan Norwood caught 45 passes for 472 yards and two scores in 2006. However, unlike Derrick Williams and Deon Butler, Norwood’s production decreased asthe 2006 campaign progressed; 13 of Norwood’s 45 receptions came in the first two weeks of the season.
Tyrell Sales, OLB, Penn State Height: 6-2. Weight: 231.
Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.57.
Benchx225: 22. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
12/6/08: Though he had a bit of a disappointing season, Tyrell Sales was still an All-Big Ten honorable mention. He had 64 tackles and 2.5 TFL. Unfortunately, scouts and GMs won’t forget his off-the-field incidents.
5/16/08: I had Tyrell Sales as a third-round prospect before March. That month, he was arrested for disorderly conduct and criminal trespass. A year ago, he was also charged with the same things, though those charges were dropped. One is an accident, two is a trend…
2007: Tyrell Sales, the “third” linebacker in a corps comprised of top prospects Dan Connor and Sean Lee, is definitely not a weak link on Penn State’s defense. In fact, he’s a major reason why the stop unit has surrendered only three points in the first two weeks. Sales took over for Connor as a freshman when the latter was suspended for making prank phone calls to former coaches.
Lydell Sargeant, CB, Penn State Height: 5-9. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
Combine 40 Time: 4.56.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.41.
Benchx225: . Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
12/13/08: His draft stock depends on how GMs regard his troubled past. An All-Big Ten Second Teamer, Lydell Sargeant is talented; he had nine passes broken up and four picks as a senior.
2007: One of the best-kept secrets in all of college football, Lydell Sargeant is among the most underrated corners in the nation. Unfortunately, he has arrests in his troubled past.
Derrick Williams, WR, Penn State – Scouting Report Height: 6-0. Weight: 194.
Projected 40 Time: 4.39.
Combine 40 Time: 4.58.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.37.
Vertical: . Broad: .
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
3/22/09: Derrick Williams saved his draft stock with an impressive Pro Day. He beat my projected 40 by 0.02.
2/23/09: Derrick Williams really hurt his draft stock with a 4.58 in the 40. Williams is a speed receiver who was projected to run a 4.3.
1/4/09: Limited in Penn State’s spread offense, Derrick Williams managed 40 receptions, 451 yards and three touchdowns. He also had three rushing scores and a three returns for six (one punt, two kickoffs).
10/19/08: Through eight games, Derrick Williams has played in only three games where he registered more than two receptions. Still, he’s a dynamic option on the field who can be used on end-arounds and kick returns.
5/22/08: Derrick Williams has never been able to put up great numbers at Penn State because he was paired with zero-IQ quarterback Anthony Morelli (55 receptions, 529 yards). Still, he’s a talented receiver and kick returner with a great 40.
2007: Derrick Williams’ production was a bit lower than what it should have been in 2006 because junior quarterback Anthony Morelli struggled to find a groove until late in the year. Williams, who caught 40 passes for 440 yards and touchdown, had his best performance against Michigan (six receptions, 67 yards), so you know he steps his game up when it matters most. If Morelli keeps improving, Williams could have a breakout year in 2007. Williams also doubles as an effective kick returner.
Illinois
Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois Height: 6-0. Weight: 201.
Projected 40 Time: 4.39.
Combine 40 Time: 4.49.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.40.
Benchx225: 25. Vertical: 37.5.
Projected Round (2009): Top 8-22 Pick.
3/22/09: Vontae Davis improved upon his mediocre Combine 40, running a 4.40 at his Pro Day. Davis is a candidate to go No. 8 to the Jaguars.
2/25/09: The only “top” corner to run faster than 4.5. Still, a 4.49 was a disappointment.
1/13/09: An AP All-America Third Team and a projected top-20 prospect, Vontae Davis declared a year early. With an outstanding combine, he could leap Malcolm Jenkins in these rankings.
12/13/08: Though Vonte Davis was benched this season, he still qualified for the All-Big Ten First Team. Davis finished the year with 78 tackles, seven TFL and eight passes broken up.
5/17/08: There’s a chance Vontae Davis could surpass Malcolm Jenkins. In his two seasons at Illinois, Davis has registered 128 tackles, five picks and 14 passes broken up.
2007: One of the top players at his position in the 2010 class, Vonate Davis has incredible size for a big corner. He made an immediate contribution as a true freshman. Through four games in 2007, Davis has two blocked punts.
Will Davis, DE, Illinois Height: 6-2. Weight: 260.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Combine 40 Time: 4.90.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.86.
Benchx225: 27. Vertical: 34.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
1/9/09: Finished with only 3.5 sacks after a brilliant junior campaign.
11/16/08: Though he had 10.5 sacks as a junior, Will Davis has recorded just 3.5 through 10 games in 2008.
5/7/08: Will Davis probably needs one more great year to really move up the charts. In addition to his awesome size-40 combo, he managed 10.5 sacks last year. I’d like to see him put on a little more bulk, but with a great 40, he could slide into the first day.
Florida
Percy Harvin, WR, Florida – Scouting Report Height: 6-0. Weight: 193.
Projected 40 Time: 4.32.
Combine 40 Time: 4.41.
Vertical: 37.5. Broad: 10-1.
Projected Round (2009): 1-2.
1/4/09: Used in a variety of ways on offense, Percy Harvin has totaled 1,133 combined rushing and receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.
10/19/08: Percy Harvin has been beat up this year – which isn’t surprising, considering his small frame – but he’s still putting up solid numbers. In five games, Harvin has 25 catches, 396 yards and seven total touchdowns. Harvin also has 190 rushing yards.
5/22/08: Percy Harvin didn’t have imposing numbers as a receiver (764 yards, 10 touchdowns), but he also had 858 rushing yards. Harvin won’t even be 21 by the time the 2009 NFL Draft rolls around, so some teams will find that appealing. However, Harvin will have to run a fast 40, especially at his size, if he wants to beat out Jeremy Maclin and Darrius Heyward-Bey to be second on this list.
Cornelius Ingram, Florida Height: 6-4. Weight: 245.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Combine 40 Time: 4.68.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.69.
Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 33.
Projected Round (2009): 3-5.
2/22/09: Can a team look past Cornelius Ingram’s injury history? That’s the only concern here. He ran a 4.68 and notched a 33-inch vertical at the 2009 NFL Combine.
10/26/08: What a shame – Cornelius Ingram tore his ACL and is out for 2008. Once a mid-round prospect, Ingram may not even be drafted. He’ll need to show everyone at the Combine that he’s healthy.
5/23/08: Cornelius Ingram’s size is an issue. He’ll be an H-back at the next level, but he’s not on Travis Beckum’s level. Ingram had 34 receptions, 508 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Phil Trautwein, OT, Florida Height: 6-6. Weight: 308.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.36.
Benchx225: 23.
Projected Round (2009): 6.
1/6/09: A tough run-blocker who qualified for the All-SEC First Team.
Jason Watkins, OT, Florida Height: 6-6. Weight: 318.
Projected 40 Time: 5.21.
Combine 40 Time: 5.47.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 19. Arm: 34 3/8.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
1/6/09: Thanks to rough competition, Jason Watkins was just an All-SEC honorable mention.
11/1/08: Jason Watkins may be the best lineman Florida has, but the offensive front has really struggled this year.
5/24/08: Florida’s starting left tackle for every game in 2007. Another former tight end on this list.
California
Anthony Felder, ILB, California Height: 6-2. Weight: 235.
Projected 40 Time: 4.71.
Combine 40 Time: 4.80.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.76.
Benchx225: 28. Vertical: 36.
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.
12/6/08: Anthony Felder has continued to play well as a senior, recording 80 tackles and five TFL through 11 games.
5/16/08: An honorable mention in the All-Pac-10 team, Anthony Felder recorded 99 tackles in 2007.
2007: Anthony Felder, who saw action as a freshman, was responsible for 13 tackles and two sacks against Colorado State.
Zack Follett, OLB, California Height: 6-2. Weight: 238.
Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
Combine 40 Time: 4.75.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 21. Vertical: 37.
Projected Round (2009): 4-5.
1/10/09: Voted to the All-Pac 10 First Team, Zack Follet collected 23 TFL, 10.5 sacks, four passes broken up and five forced fumbles.
12/6/08: His production just keeps increasing. After 11 games, Zack Follett has 74 tackles, 17 TFL and 7.5 sacks. He has also forced three fumbles.
5/16/08: A punishing tackler who has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Zack Follett had 6.5 sacks in 2007 after registering 5.5 the year before. Not bad for a linebacker.
2007: Zack Follett had an impressive opening performance to his junior season, registering a sack, forced fumble and a touchdown against Tennessee.
Alex Mack, C, California Height: 6-4. Weight: 307.
Projected 40 Time: 5.13.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.17.
Benchx225: 20. Arm: 33.
Projected Round (2009): 1.
1/8/09: Still on top and still a first-round prospect. Alex Mack was an AP All-America third-teamer.
11/2/08: Alex Mack continues his dominance on the field and atop these rankings. It’s hard to imagine that he’ll make it past the Cardinals, Steelers and Bills in the first round.
5/26/08: Alex Mack nearly left for the NFL a year early. That’s not surprising, as the unanimous All-Pac-10 first-teamer is the best center prospect in a long time.
2007: Alex Mack started every game in 2006, earning a spot on the All Pac-10 first team.
Cameron Morrah, TE, California Height: 6-3. Weight: 244.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Combine 40 Time: 4.66.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.61.
Benchx225: 24. Vertical: .
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
1/20/09: Don’t know what the thinking is here. Cameron Morrah has decided to come out a year early despite catching just 27 passes for 326 yards last year. 7/27/08: As a sophomore, Cameron Morrah registered 13 catches, 155 yards and a score.
Worrell Williams, ILB, California Height: 5-11. Weight: 240.
Projected 40 Time: 4.68.
Combine 40 Time: 4.84.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.75.
Benchx225: 23. Vertical: 35.
Projected Round (2009): 5-6.
12/7/08: Worrell Williams is having an outstanding season and will be targeted by 3-4 defenses in April. Williams has 55 tackles, five TFL and six passes broken up.
5/11/08: After playing the weakside position as a sophomore, Worrell Williams finally moved to the middle, where he had 98 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.
2007: Didn’t see much action as a sophomore, but Worrell Williams has worked his way into the lineup after working extremely hard this offseason.
MISSING
2009 NFL Mock Draft
2010 NFL Mock Draft
NFL Picks
2009 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
