Georgia Tech
Andrew Gardner, OT, Georgia Tech Height: 6-7. Weight: 304.
Projected 40 Time: 5.18.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.96.
Benchx225: DNP. Arm: 34 1/2.
Projected Round (2009): 5.
1/6/09: Despite suffering a torn labrum in early November, Andrew Gardner was voted to the All-ACC First Team.
5/24/08: Andrew Gardner is a very solid run-blocker who sparked Tashard Choice the past few years. He has 39 collegiate starts entering 2008.
2007: Andrew Gardner has started every game for the Yellow Jackets the past two years. A bit light for a tackle, but his skills make up for that.
Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech Height: 6-7. Weight: 266.
Projected 40 Time: 4.63.
Combine 40 Time: 4.75.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.59.
Benchx225: 28. Vertical: 38.5.
Projected Round (2009): 1.
3/10/09: Michael Johnson ran a 4.59 at his Pro Day. The Lions reportedly had him at 4.49 unofficially. Al Davis, meanwhile, had him at 3.39. Some team will take Johnson in Round 1 despite his work-ethic issues.
2/24/09: As expected, Michael Johnson lit up the 2009 NFL Combine. Jon Gruden went as far to say that he was a “Julius Peppers clone.” Johnson has work-ethic issues, but coaches are arrogant; some will think that they can turn him around.
2/22/09: Michael Johnson put on about 10 pounds to his frame. We’ll see if his 40 is affected by it.
1/9/09: People to love to bash Michael Johnson for his lack of production, yet the Georgia Tech end compiled 17.5 TFL, nine sacks and seven passes broken up as a senior.
11/16/08: Athleticism has never been Michael Johnson’s problem; it was the lack of production on the field. However, that has changed. In 10 games, he has 12 TFL and six sacks. He could go top 10.
Darryl Richard, DT, Georgia Tech Height: 6-2. Weight: 303.
Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
Benchx225: 19. Vertical: 26.
Projected Round (2009): 5.
1/10/09: Darryl Richard had four sacks and 10 TFL as a senior. 5/9/08: Unlike a lot of the guys on this list, Darryl Richard is a smart guy. He had 4.5 sacks in 2007, though you better believe Vance Walker had a bit of a say in that.
2007: After starting three games as a freshman, Darryl Richard missed the entire 2005 season with a knee injury. Richard bounced back to record 20 tackles last year.
Jahi Word-Daniels, CB, Georgia Tech Height: 6-0. Weight: 197.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Combine 40 Time: DNP.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.59.
Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 38.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
1/13/09: In just seven games, Jahi Word-Daniels collected 3.5 TFL, one pick and two passes broken up.
12/13/08: Played in only seven games this year, thanks to a hamstring injury.
5/17/08: Another cover-2 corner, Jahi Word-Daniels battled numerous nagging injuries in 2007. His senior season will be his second as a full-time starter.
Utah
Brian Johnson, QB, Utah Height: 6-1. Weight: 211.
Projected 40 Time: 4.84.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.88.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
12/20/08: Though undersized, Brian Johnson commanded national champion Utah with 2,636 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Paul Kruger, DE, Utah Height: 6-4. Weight: 263.
Projected 40 Time: 4.64.
Combine 40 Time: 4.90.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.79.
Benchx225: 24. Vertical: 32.5.
Projected Round (2009): 2.
1/12/09: Coming off a national championship victory over Alabama, Paul Kruger has decided to declare for the 2009 NFL Draft as a mere redshirt sophomore. Though he could stay in school until he’s 2011, I really don’t have a problem with this; chances are, his stock will never be higher than it is now. In 13 games, Kruger recorded 61 tackles, 16.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks and seven passes broken up.
Brice McCain, CB, Utah Height: 5-9. Weight: 189.
Projected 40 Time: 4.36.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.33.
Benchx225: 12. Vertical: 36.5.
Projected Round (2009): 6.
1/13/09: Brice McCain finished with 35 tackles, two TFL, one sack and five passes broken up for national champion Utah. His 40 will get him drafted.
12/13/08: Brice McCain was elected to the All-Mountain West First Team. It’s not the presidency, but at least one McCain was happy this fall.
5/17/08: Brice McCain’s 40 will get him drafted. As for actual stats, McCain had 24 tackles and 11 pass breakups.
2007: Easily one of the fastest players in this draft class, Brice McCain doubles as a solid kick returner. Started 12 games as a sophomore.
Sean Smith, S/CB, Utah Height: 6-4. Weight: 214.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Combine 40 Time: 4.53.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.47.
Benchx225: DNP. Vertical: 32.
Projected Round (2009): 1-2.
2/25/09: When you’re compared to NFL Hall of Famer Mel Blount, you know you’re having a great combine. Mike Mayock made that comparison. Sean Smith’s 40 may have pushed him into Round 1.
2/23/09: Actually measured in taller than expected; 6-4 is pretty impressive.
1/14/09: Sean Smith, probably more of a safety than a corner at the next level, registered 45 tackles, nine passes broken up, two TFL, five interceptions and a pick-six for national champion Utah. He has declared for the 2009 NFL Draft.
12/13/08: Sean Smith has been a beast this season, and no one can blame him if he declares a year early. An All-Mountain West first-teamer, Smith collected 40 tackles, five picks (one touchdown) and eight passes broken up. Could play corner or safety in the NFL.
Colorado
George Hypolite, DT, Colorado Height: 6-1. Weight: 299.
Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.04.
Benchx225: 32. Vertical: 32.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
1/10/09: Thanks to 6.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks, George Hypolite was named to the All-Big XII Second Team.
11/23/08: Through 12 games, George Hypolite has 39 tackles, 5.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks.
5/9/08: Probably best described as the 2009 version of Dre Moore. George Hypolite had six sacks while being a major factor in stopping the run.
Brad Jones, OLB, Colorado Height: 6-3. Weight: 232.
Projected 40 Time: 4.62.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.54.
Benchx225: 19. Vertical: 33.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
Daniel Sanders, C, Colorado Height: 6-2. Weight: 316.
Projected 40 Time: 5.29.
Pro Day 40 Time: 5.44.
Benchx225: 21.
Projected Round (2009): FA.
5/26/08: Daniel Sanders struggled at center in 2007. He also gained about 15 pounds and has become less agile.
2007: Daniel Sanders can play guard and center. Expected to be the anchor of Colorado’s line in 2007.
Tulsa
David Johnson, QB, Tulsa Height: 6-1. Weight: 219.
Projected 40 Time: 4.75.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.94.
Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
12/20/08: David Johnson finished the season with a 3,866 yards, 43 touchdowns and 18 picks. Most impressive was his sterling 10.3 YPA. An All-Conference USA honorable mention.
Montana
Colt Anderson, FS, Montana Height: 5-10. Weight: 194.
Projected 40 Time: 4.50.
Pro Day 40 Time: 4.53.
Benchx225: 15. Vertical: 36.5.
Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
MISSING
2009 NFL Mock Draft
2010 NFL Mock Draft
NFL Picks
2009 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
