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 they’ll 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

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) poses for a photo with Prince Amukamara, #19 overall pick by the New York Giants, on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris

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 aren’t complaining, though.

He should be able to make an immediate impact for last year’s 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

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 13: Roy Helu Jr. #10 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs for the endzone the Kansas Jayhawks during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Defeated Kansas 20-3. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty I

Clinton Portis is gone, but not to worry.

The addition of Roy Helu, Jr. to the Redskins’ 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 franchise’s run game around these two utilizing Helu, Jr.'s excellent ability to run between the tackles.

3: Henery Supplants Akers in Philly

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 13: Alex Henery #90 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers kicks an extra point against the Kansas Jayhawks during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Defeated Kansas 20-3. (Photo by Eric Francis/

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 NCAA’s most accurate kicker in history.

One of these things is not like the other…

4: Niles Paul Makes the Starting Lineup in Washington

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 16: Wide receiver Niles Paul #24 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Texas Defeated Nebraska 20-13. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)

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 players’ 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.

He’ll make a solid No. 3 guy for the ‘Skins to begin his career.

5: DeJon Gomes Sees Playing Time for Redskins

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - SEPTEMBER 11: Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeJon Gomes #7 and safety Rickey Thenarse #3 knock a pass away from Idaho Vandals wide receiver Marsel Posey #15 during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on September

While it’s unlikely that he’ll start, Gomes’ athleticism and physicality will earn him time playing on Sundays both in the secondary and on special teams.

He won’t be able to run with elite NFL wide receivers early in a game, but he should do well once they’ve been gassed somewhat especially in red zone situations.

6: Keith Williams Provides a Stable Backup for the Steelers

Williams has the size to compete in the NFL, but he’s got plenty of room for improvement.

That said, his work ethic isn’t to be doubted at all.

He’ll work hard with Pittsburgh’s 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

It’s going to be an uphill battle in the NFL for Eric Hagg.

He did quite a bit of damage for Nebraska in the “Peso” slot designed by Cornhusker head coach Bo Pelini, but playing as a hybrid linebacker/safety won’t do Hagg any favors in the NFL.

Cleveland certainly had nothing to lose by picking him up, but he’s going to have to find a natural position and focus on learning.

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that he’ll 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

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Running back Roy Helu Jr. #10 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers break a long run against the Missouri Tigers during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Defeated Missou

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

Eric Francis/Getty Images

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 13: Niles Paul #24 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers finishes off a reception against the Kansas Jayhawks during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Defeated Kansas 20-3. (Photo by Eric Franc

While having 300-plus yards to his name wouldn’t 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

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Head coach Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris

You don’t become the all-time scoring leader at a school known for putting quality kickers into the NFL without some amazing skill.

Henery’s 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 Cornhuskers’ leg.

He’ll also likely get credit for handling the team’s 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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