Nebraska Football: 10 Predictions for the Cornhuskers Taken in NFL Draft
Seven Cornhuskers were taken off of the board during the 2011 NFL Draft.
The New York Giants snagged a fantastic value in Prince Amukamara.
Philadelphia likely has a kicker that theyโll keep a death grip on in Alex Henery.
Mike Shanahan is apparently a big fan of Bo Pelini's having drafted three former Cornhuskers.
What does the future hold for this handful of Husker NFL hopefuls?
1: Prince Amukamara Will Start for the New York Giants
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The first round of the NFL draft was as unpredictable as Midwestern weather and it was a shock to see Amukamara slip to the No. 19 spot.
The New York Giants arenโt complaining, though.
He should be able to make an immediate impact for last yearโs No.9 pass defense giving the Giants one of the best secondaries in the league.
2: Roy Helu Helps Develop a Redskin One-Two Punch with Royster
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Clinton Portis is gone, but not to worry.
The addition of Roy Helu, Jr. to the Redskinsโ roster combined with the pickup of former Penn State do-it-all back Evan Royster will help lessen the blow considerably.
In fact, Mike Shanahan will build the franchiseโs run game around these two utilizing Helu, Jr.'s excellent ability to run between the tackles.
3: Henery Supplants Akers in Philly
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David Akers is 36 and has spent 12 years in the NFL as a quality kicker.
Alex Henery is 23, was drafted in the fourth round in the 2011 NFL Draft and is the NCAAโs most accurate kicker in history.
One of these things is not like the otherโฆ
4: Niles Paul Makes the Starting Lineup in Washington
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Washington needs someone to help take pressure off of Santana Moss and Anthony Armstrong.
Chris Cooley does a great job, but Niles Paul can make all three playersโ lives easier.
Paul has all of the phyical tools to excel in the NFL and with proper training from wide receivers coach Kennan McCardell, he'll only get better as a wide out.
Heโll make a solid No. 3 guy for the โSkins to begin his career.
5: DeJon Gomes Sees Playing Time for Redskins
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While itโs unlikely that heโll start, Gomesโ athleticism and physicality will earn him time playing on Sundays both in the secondary and on special teams.
He wonโt be able to run with elite NFL wide receivers early in a game, but he should do well once theyโve been gassed somewhat especially in red zone situations.
6: Keith Williams Provides a Stable Backup for the Steelers
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Williams has the size to compete in the NFL, but heโs got plenty of room for improvement.
That said, his work ethic isnโt to be doubted at all.
Heโll work hard with Pittsburghโs staff to become a better technician in the trenches which should result in his ability to spell starters and keep drives alive.
7: Eric Hagg Locks Up a Job, but Not in Cleveland
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Itโs going to be an uphill battle in the NFL for Eric Hagg.
He did quite a bit of damage for Nebraska in the โPesoโ slot designed by Cornhusker head coach Bo Pelini, but playing as a hybrid linebacker/safety wonโt do Hagg any favors in the NFL.
Cleveland certainly had nothing to lose by picking him up, but heโs going to have to find a natural position and focus on learning.
Unfortunately, itโs unlikely that heโll be able to make enough of an impact to be on Cleveland's final 53-man roster.
Much like former Brown and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Larry Asante, Hagg will probably leave Cleveland and find a good home elsewhere.
8: Roy Helu Rushes for 350-Plus Yards; Scores 4 TDs
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The combination of Roy Helu, Jr. and Evan Royster is going to give Ryan Torain all that he can handle as they all scramble for the starting job.
Regardless of who gets the official nod, look for Helu, Jr. to get plenty of carries during an efficient rookie year.
9: Niles Paul Accumulates 300-Plus Yards Receiving; Catches 3-Plus TDs
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While having 300-plus yards to his name wouldnโt be a bad start for Niles Paul in his rookie year, tripling his touchdown total from his senior season at Nebraska would be fantastic.
Look for him to accomplish just that as he makes strides in correcting his issues with dropped passes as he takes some pressure off of fellow former Cornhusker Roy Helu, Jr.
10: Henery Wins 1-2 More Games for Eagles; Will Be on Pro Bowl Ballot
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You donโt become the all-time scoring leader at a school known for putting quality kickers into the NFL without some amazing skill.
Heneryโs booming boots will become the talk of Philadelphia.
In a league where three points can be the difference between a win or a loss, the Eagles now have a deadly weapon in the former Cornhuskersโ leg.
Heโll also likely get credit for handling the teamโs kickoff duties and potentially nailing a few punts inside the 20-yard line.
It's not a stretch to say that Henery might find himself in Honolulu along with former teammates come the postseason.
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