College FB Exodus: Juniors Declare for NFL Draft

Check out my del.icio.us feed for NFL Draft articles of interest as we approach the January 15th deadline to declare, and also the draft itself on April 26th.

Of interest this year is the paucity of qualified underclassmen quarterbacks—Pat White of West Virginia is the best prospect, and he would probably be asked to change positions.

Traditional QBs like Rudy Carpenter and Cullen Harper have to be on NFL radars, but neither is ready for the big-time.

On to the early-entrant draft roll...
 

Jan. 10th

Ray Rice, Rutgers RB

I like this move for no other reason than the 910 carries Rice has endured as the workhorse for the Scarlet Knights.

Another year of that and NFL scouts would point to him not having many carries left in his body. 

Don't confuse the 5'9" Rice for a scatback—most of his yards came between the tackles.

James Davis, Clemson RB 

We're moving CJ Spiller up our 2008 Draft Board as we speak.

I think this is an excellent move for Davis, given the shared carries and a body/speed combo that is perfect for a team like the Raiders or even the Buccaneers.

Plus he has always been a good candidate to leave early, given his tough upbringing.

Ryan Grice-Mullin, Hawaii WR

The exodus continues, with Warrior coach/guru June Jones announcing his departure to SMU.

In my mind, RGM was No. 3 in the Hawaii Trio based on size and athleticism. That said, he's a better prospect than 2005 WR/KR Chad Owens was when he left the Islands.


Jan. 5th

James Hardy, Indiana WR

Leaves the offense in the hands of QB Kellen Lewis, who struggled mightily in games without Hardy, or when Hardy was effectively covered.

James Bailey is the heir apparent WR. Hardy is my No. 1 NFL WR prospect for 2008. 

More...