List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

This is a list of those declaring for the NFL Draft that should they not declare would still have at least one season of eligibility left. The rule's as they pertain to declaring for the NFL Draft states that a player must be a high school graduate for the duration of three college football seasons. Actual playing experience only matters when it comes to draft value. The complete list can be found here, but in the meantime I have choosen to list the more interesting prospects though truth be told it isn't really to long of a list at this point.

[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft09/news/story?id=3816307"]Underclassmen heading to NFL Draft - ESPN[/URL]

On a personal note it feels kind of good to be gathering information on the draft again.

[U][B]Declaring[/B][/U]
Matthew Stafford - QB - Georgia
Knowshown Moreno - RB - Georgia
Chris Wells - RB - Ohio State
Darrius Heyward-Bey - WR - Maryland
Everette Brown - DE - Florida State
Josh Freeman - QB - Kansas State
Sen'Derrick Marks - DT - Auburn
[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=191596"]Jeremy Maclin[/URL] - WR - Mizou
Hakeem Nicks - WR - UNC
Andre Smith - OT - Alabama
Michael Crabtree - WR - Texs Tech
Percy Harvin - RB/WR - Florida (Unofficial but still likely)
LeSean McCoy - RB - Pitt

[U][B]Returning[/B][/U]
Sam Bradford - QB - Oklahoma
Gerald McCoy - DT - Oklahoma
Tim Tebow - QB - Florida (Undecided)
Colt McCoy - QB - Texas
Terrance Cody - DT - Alabama

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

I don't see any offensive linemen listed, nor any defenseive linemen.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

Dumb move by Cody. He'll never be worth so much money.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=JLee9718;518998]I don't see any offensive linemen listed, nor any defenseive linemen.[/quote]

As I understand it there aren't a whole lot of underclassment at those positions who would realistically be considered 1st or even 2nd rounders. The big fish, like Oher, Monroe and Mack, are all in their final year of eligibility, are they not??

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;518997]This is a list of those declaring for the NFL Draft that should they not declare would still have at least one season of eligibility left. The rule's as they pertain to declaring for the NFL Draft states that a player must be a high school graduate for the duration of three college football seasons. Actual playing experience only matters when it comes to draft value. The complete list can be found here, but in the meantime I have choosen to list the more interesting prospects though truth be told it isn't really to long of a list at this point.

[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft09/news/story?id=3816307"]Underclassmen heading to NFL Draft - ESPN[/URL]

On a personal note it feels kind of good to be gathering information on the draft again.

[U][B]Declaring[/B][/U]
Matthew Stafford - QB - Georgia
Knowshown Moreno - RB - Georgia
Chris Wells - RB - Ohio State
Darrius Heyward-Bey - WR - Maryland
Everette Brown - DE - Florida State
Josh Freeman - QB - Kansas State
Sen'Derrick Marks - DT - Auburn
Hakeem Nicks - WR - UNC
Andre Smith - OT - Alabama
Percy Harvin - RB/WR - Florida (Unofficial but still likely)

[U][B]Returning[/B][/U]
Tim Tebow - QB - Florida
Colt McCoy - QB - Texas
Terrance Cody - DT - Alabama[/quote]

Tebow may not be returning. He is undecided according to after the National Championship interview with him

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=Big C;519043]Tebow may not be returning. He is undecided according to after the National Championship interview with him[/quote]

I don't know to much about his pro prospects, but I got the feeling that he's either going to end up like either Big Ben or Byron Leftwich.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

I think there will be a host of others from the game last night that will declare eligible for the draft.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=jbcjr14;519078]I think there will be a host of others from the game last night that will declare eligible for the draft.[/quote]

Right now I'm really hoping to see Gerald McCoy, though he's projected to be a top 10 pick this year. However I'm having second thoughts about Duke Robinson, I mean our team already has enough problems staying disciplined that we really shouldn't be using a first round pick on a player that makes such stupid mental errors.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=Daseal;519033]Dumb move by Cody. He'll never be worth so much money.[/quote]I don't know about that. Underclassmen/oversized DTs tend to get raped by the draft process. He might have ended up in the 3rd or 4th round for what the process might have done to him.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;519066]I don't know to much about his pro prospects, but I got the feeling that he's either going to end up like either Big Ben or Byron Leftwich.[/quote]
unless someone wants to use the wildcat offense, Tebow will probably end up more like Matt Jones

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;519080]Right now I'm really hoping to see Gerald McCoy, though he's projected to be a top 10 pick this year. However I'm having second thoughts about Duke Robinson, I mean our team already has enough problems staying disciplined that we really shouldn't be using a first round pick on a player that makes such stupid mental errors.[/quote]

He looked ugly early but he settled down, and that lack of discipline is not the norm for him.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

If Tebow comes out he will play for Detroit. He will start a church in Canada. Leppers on every corner of the earth will by Lions gear and fill the staduim and there will be no more T.V. blackouts.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

Any word on Taylor Mays (second coming of ST) safety from USC?

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

I don't get the Tebow projections. While I think he, more than anyone else but Bradford, really needs another year of college if he wants to play quarterback at the next level, I don't see anything inherent in his game that would make me think he can't be a professional quarterback.

Like most underclassmen, Tebow is probably unprepared right now for the trials and tribulations of an NFL quarterback, but if he ends up as a two time Heisman winner two time Nat'l Champ at Florida, a three year starter with considerable playing time as a Freshman, I don't see why he wouldn't be the great prospect he seems like he should be.

Same deal with Bradford. Stay in school, get a degree, refine your skills. If the reason for your success is because you are really talented and not because your team is really talented, you will continue to have tons of success in college.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=GTripp0012;519129]I don't get the Tebow projections. While I think he, more than anyone else but Bradford, really needs another year of college if he wants to play quarterback at the next level, I don't see anything inherent in his game that would make me think he can't be a professional quarterback.

Like most underclassmen, Tebow is probably unprepared right now for the trials and tribulations of an NFL quarterback, but if he ends up as a two time Heisman winner two time Nat'l Champ at Florida, a three year starter with considerable playing time as a Freshman, I don't see why he wouldn't be the great prospect he seems like he should be.

Same deal with Bradford. Stay in school, get a degree, refine your skills. If the reason for your success is because you are really talented and not because your team is really talented, you will continue to have tons of success in college.[/quote]

Have you forgotten about the money? If a player is drafted high in the first round, then he will be an instant multi-millionaire. If either or both of them is projected to go high, then he needs to come out and take the money.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=KI Skins Fan;519137]Have you forgotten about the money? If a player is drafted high in the first round, then he will be an instant multi-millionaire. If either or both of them is projected to go high, then he needs to come out and take the money.[/quote]First of all, you can continue to play well in college and be a first rounder next year. Secondly, the second deal you get is the big money deal, so its more important to one's financial future to be good and successful at what they do then to be drafted high and not be as successful as they could be.

Finally, committing to the draft doesn't ensure you will be a high first round pick. It just ensures that you can't go back to college.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=GTripp0012;519142]First of all, you can continue to play well in college and be a first rounder next year. Secondly, the second deal you get is the big money deal, so its more important to one's financial future to be good and successful at what they do then to be drafted high and not be as successful as they could be.

Finally, committing to the draft doesn't ensure you will be a high first round pick. It just ensures that you can't go back to college.[/quote]



Disagree with respect to Bradford. He looks great now because he has ALL DAY to survey the field. The left side of his line is heading to the pros -- Loadholt and Robinson. With the pressure he may face next year, he may end up dropping out of the top five. He has to take the money now. The difference between top 5 money and tail end of the first round money is huge. It'll set him up for life.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=KI Skins Fan;519137]Have you forgotten about the money? If a player is drafted high in the first round, then he will be an instant multi-millionaire. If either or both of them is projected to go high, then he needs to come out and take the money.[/quote]


GTripp has a point. Tebow needs to refine his game, namely his passing game. He won't be able to pull off most of his running in the NFL minus the option plays. It is nice that he can run when needed, but you can only run so many draw plays in a NFL game. He has a good arm, but face it UF is loaded, and there is not much parody in the SEC. He would also make history next season if he wins the Heisman again. That alone is worth more than money!!!!!

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=MeanEvilSkin;519443]Disagree with respect to Bradford. He looks great now because he has ALL DAY to survey the field. The left side of his line is heading to the pros -- Loadholt and Robinson. With the pressure he may face next year, he may end up dropping out of the top five. He has to take the money now. The difference between top 5 money and tail end of the first round money is huge. It'll set him up for life.[/quote]


Bradford in my opinion is going to be possibly the next Joey Harrington.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=GusFrerotte;519446]GTripp has a point. Tebow needs to refine his game, namely his passing game. He won't be able to pull off most of his running in the NFL minus the option plays. It is nice that he can run when needed, but you can only run so many draw plays in a NFL game. He has a good arm, but face it UF is loaded, and there is not much parody in the SEC. He would also make history next season if he wins the Heisman again. That alone is worth more than money!!!!![/quote]

That's a pretty solid assessment. Personally, I want Tebow to come back because I'm a Gator and I'm being selfish. He is dead set on being a QB in the NFL. But Kiper/McShay seem to think he projects better as a H-back style player, grading out around the 3rd round.

His intangibles are possibly the best I've ever seen on any athlete, pro or college. I've heard plenty of opinions from big names in college football - Tommy Bowden, Lou Holtz, Mark Richt, Nick Saban, Jim Tressel, etc say he's possibly the best leader they've ever seen. Plus he's got a strong arm and makes pinpoint throws in big situations. But he has a long release and sometimes makes poor throws in ho-hum situations. If he goes pro now and insists on being a QB, then he'll be holding a clip board for a while. He needs to refine his passing skills, and make another run at a title/Heisman.

If you're a 2 time Heisman winner and/or a 3 time national champion, someone will give you a shot to start for their team. Stay in school Timmy.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

I could see Tebow as TE, don't think he has the chops to make it in the NFL as a QB.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=Dblock804;519119]If Tebow comes out he will play for Detroit. He will start a church in Canada. Leppers on every corner of the earth will by Lions gear and fill the staduim and there will be no more T.V. blackouts.[/quote]

I like the passion he plays the game with, I wish JC went on to the field and commanded the team the way he does.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

Tebow is staying in college
[url=http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=899046]Rivals.com College Football - Florida's Tebow to return for senior season[/url]

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=GusFrerotte;519447]Bradford in my opinion is going to be possibly the next Joey Harrington.[/quote]If he comes out right now, that's actually a really solid comparison.

Harrington never had a year like Bradford did this year though.

I also think people are writing off a senior QB class that has a lot of potential good ones. Matt Stafford is the strongest underclassman, but I have him as the 3rd, maybe 4th best QB in this draft class.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;519595]Tebow is staying in college
[URL="http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=899046"]Rivals.com College Football - Florida's Tebow to return for senior season[/URL][/quote]

There isn't a smiley big enough to fit on this website to express how thrilled I am about this. Smart move by Tim as well. If he really wants to play QB at the next level and be anything more than a clip board holder, he needs to stay in school another season.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=GTripp0012;519598]If he comes out right now, that's actually a really solid comparison.

Harrington never had a year like Bradford did this year though.

I also think people are writing off a senior QB class that has a lot of potential good ones. Matt Stafford is the strongest underclassman, [B]but I have him as the 3rd, maybe 4th best QB in this draft class.[/B][/quote]

Who are your top 2 or 3 if Stafford and Bradford aren't in there?

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

personally dont and have never understood the love fest with stafford... he was a great recruit out of high school but really has been a remarkable underacheiver in college, 06 52 percent cmp, 07, 55% and this year 61%, granted his numbers this year were good for a college qb, but still only 15th in passer rating, 14th in passing yards and tied for 17th in touchdowns thrown, his "intangibles and potential" seem to be playing waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to big of a role on his draft status. clearly he has been progressing and getting better through each year of college, like most college qb's do, but the idea that he is a first round draft pick because of one decent year is beyond my comprehension...

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=GMScud;519624]Who are your top 2 or 3 if Stafford and Bradford aren't in there?[/quote]Graham Harrell (TTU) and Nate Davis (Ball St.) right now. I was high on John Parker Wilson ('Bama), but he really played poorly down the stretch, and his marginal phyiscal tools will do him no favors in the draft process.

Josh Freeman (Kansas St.) is every bit as good as Stafford, with the same issues (limited successes in college despite talent, left sr. year on the table).

Central Washington's Mike Reilly has top two round potential. I've seen the guy play...he's good enough, but like all small school prospects, the combine and workouts will make or break him.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=GTripp0012;519713]Graham Harrell (TTU) and Nate Davis (Ball St.) right now. I was high on John Parker Wilson ('Bama), but he really played poorly down the stretch, and his marginal phyiscal tools will do him no favors in the draft process.

Josh Freeman (Kansas St.) is every bit as good as Stafford, with the same issues (limited successes in college despite talent, left sr. year on the table).

Central Washington's Mike Reilly has top two round potential. I've seen the guy play...he's good enough, but like all small school prospects, the combine and workouts will make or break him.[/quote]

The good news is scouts are having the same concerns about Nate Davis this year as they did last year about Matt Ryan

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

I think Cerrato will trade the Redskins' first round draft choice for two second rounders and use them on a couple of players who won't help the team a bit.

by the way, Fletcher really got shafted by not being chosen for the pro bowl.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=Hail2theskins;519697]personally dont and have never understood the love fest with stafford... he was a great recruit out of high school but really has been a remarkable underacheiver in college, 06 52 percent cmp, 07, 55% and this year 61%, granted his numbers this year were good for a college qb, but still only 15th in passer rating, 14th in passing yards and tied for 17th in touchdowns thrown, his "intangibles and potential" seem to be playing waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to big of a role on his draft status. clearly he has been progressing and getting better through each year of college, like most college qb's do, but the idea that he is a first round draft pick because of one decent year is beyond my comprehension...[/quote]Stafford's got a solid draft profile, not great (I would say the great draft profiles of the last 5 years are: Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers, Jason Campbell, Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler, Brady Quinn, and Chad Henne).

I think Stafford, physically, can be the first overall pick, but boy, a team would really have to like him to take him that high.

Matt Ryan on the other hand, another guy with a nice (but not great) draft profile, who I figured would be overvalued, but he really turned a lot of peoples heads. Even though guessing on intangibles is really shady business, when you're right, it can have great dividends.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=GTripp0012;522314]Stafford's got a solid draft profile, not great (I would say the great draft profiles of the last 5 years are: Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers, Jason Campbell, Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler, Brady Quinn, and Chad Henne).

I think Stafford, physically, can be the first overall pick, but boy, a team would really have to like him to take him that high.

Matt Ryan on the other hand, another guy with a nice (but not great) draft profile, who I figured would be overvalued, but he really turned a lot of peoples heads. Even though guessing on intangibles is really shady business, when you're right, it can have great dividends.[/quote]

I'm surprised how scouts hold a QB's physical qualities in such high regard when the position itself is a very cerebral position. Guys like JaMarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf, and Michael Vick had all the physical tools but not nearly enough of the mental tools. Then again you get cerebral guys like Alex Smith and Joey Harrington only to watch them fall flat on their face. I guess in the end the only conclusion we can draw is that drafting QB's is a crap shoot unless it's the first round in 2004.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;522329]I'm surprised how scouts hold a QB's physical qualities in such high regard when the position itself is a very cerebral position. Guys like JaMarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf, and Michael Vick had all the physical tools but not nearly enough of the mental tools. Then again you get cerebral guys like Alex Smith and Joey Harrington only to watch them fall flat on their face. I guess in the end the only conclusion we can draw is that drafting QB's is a crap shoot unless it's the first round in 2004.[/quote]Not a crapshoot, but it's dangerous to 1) attach a tag or title to a draft-eligible prospect, and then 2) use the tag/title as a justification for the pick.

It was dangerous for Matt Ryan to be judged as "clutch" before he ever took a snap in the NFL. You can't tell if a guy is clutch or not from his 3 year college career. But you can look at his fundamentals, draft profile, and skill set, and take him because you believe he's franchise material.

I don't think that makes it a crapshoot really, because Ryan was clearly a better prospect than JaMarcus Russell the year before. Was Ryan really two rounds better than the next possible prospect? I doubt that, but he's got a good chance to live up to that contract he signed.

It will be interesting when they lose their running game if he can still beat defenses with his arm and reading ability, and I'm far from sold on him, but he looks like a solid pick and a solid piece of scouting.

Re: List of Early Entries Declaring for the 2009 Draft
 

[quote=GTripp0012;522333]Not a crapshoot, but it's dangerous to 1) attach a tag or title to a draft-eligible prospect, and then 2) use the tag/title as a justification for the pick.[/quote]Yeah, I'm quoting myself.

One example of this mistake is the concept of "upside". You never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever take someone early in the draft because you like their "upside." Here's why:

Because upside is...not fictional...but opinional to the person doing the grading. You might see upside where there is none. Antonio Gates, now he had upside (i.e. untapped potential). Did anyone pick him on draft day because of that? No, because he wasn't at all a prospect.

It makes sense to take players for what they are. Not that you shouldn't look at how they might develop (because that's part of what they are), but you can't select players based on what they aren't. That sounds silly when I write it, but too often, a player is an NFL bust because he's taken to fill a role there's just no reason to believe he can play. That's your 'upside factor' there.