Monday NFL Draft Links: Stefan Johnson staying put

We recently reported that USC RB Stefan Johnson was making the leap to the NFL and would enter the 2010 Draft.  The initial reports were reporting such a move.  However, according to USC Coach Pete Carroll, those initial reports are false.  (NFL Mock)

"

Carroll, who speaks regularly with the injured tailback, said Johnson will apply for a draft evaluation and is planning on making an announcement this week about his playing status. Johnson suffered a life-threatening throat injury while weightlifting on Sept. 28 but has now been medically cleared to resume working out.

"

Johnson has not made his decision.  He will submit for NFL evaluation before making a determination.  You would think with the crushing injury that occurred to Johnson in the weight room, that his draft value would greatly increase if he returned to USC and put up the big numbers, compared to missing all of this season.

We’ll keep an eye on the story as it develops.  Ted Miller reports that Todd McShay’s first overall pick is Jake Locker.  This is going to be fun to watch.  Any one of the four top QBs could land number one, between Jimmy Clausen, Locker, Colt McCoy, or Sam Bradford.  Much depend on who secure the first overall pick.  My bet is, if it is Tampa Bay, Mr. Suh will be number one. (ESPN)  [ By the way, stay tuned in a few hours, the NFL Mock Draft Database will do its first of a few updates for the week.]

Read more on the 20andR10 Draft at

http://rumorsandreports.com/?p=92