Jared Gaither/OT/University of Maryland: The book on Gaither reads pretty much
the same for most teams; first-round physical talent with great upside yet a
prospect with late-round work ethic and intellect. The greatest obstacle for
teams is deciding how quickly Gaither will be able to come in and
contribute. One league source told us most teams feel Gaither is not only
significantly lagging in his conditioning, but "his head will be spinning his
first day in camp things will be moving so fast." There is a real belief
Gaither's contributions this season will be minimal and most think he will not
be ready to play on an NFL level for at least a year, but probably not until his
third season. If there is a favorite to draft him in the middle rounds, it could
be the Atlanta Falcons. Gaither not only fits a need but will have time to
develop under Bobby Petrino, a new coach starting with a clean slate. Petrino
favors having big linemen and Gaither certainly fits that mold.
Paul Oliver/CB/University of Georgia: Things have been pretty quiet in the
Oliver camp. No team except for the three we've previously mentioned (San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Atlanta Falcons) brought Oliver into their
facility for an interview and physical exam. Several teams have held phone
interviews with the defensive back. At one time rumored to be selected by the
New England Patriots in the initial three rounds, sources have told us they
would be shocked if New England selects Oliver as they've shown no interest in
him to date.
Chris Patrick/OL/University of Nebraska: According to a league source, a top AFC
team has actually given Patrick a fourth-round grade, but because they have
quality depth at the position that team is unlikely to select him tomorrow. The
Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Jets have
shown strong interest in the former Cornhusker. The Jets bear watching. They are
unlikely to use a pick in the draft to select Patrick, but could make a run at
him if he becomes a free agent. With the Pete Kendall situation unsettled,
Patrick, a left tackle in college who projects to guard in the NFL could be
attractive to the team.
Mark Washington/DE-LB/Texas State University: The Arizona State University
transfer worked out Tuesday in Los Angeles. He measured in at 6-foot-2
and 257 pounds, a few pounds heavier than expected. His marks included
4.77 to 4.81 seconds in the forty, 4.43 seconds in the short shuttle, 31 inches
in the vertical jump, and 25 completed reps of 225 pounds on the bench. The New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Dolphins were on
hand for the workout. Of the four teams, the 49ers and Dolphins have shown the
most interest. As previously reported, the 49ers brought Washington into their
facility for an interview and exam last Monday. The Dolphins view Washington as
a possible inside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme.
Robert Armstrong/DT/Morgan State: Two teams have recently made strong inquiries
about Armstrong, the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants. The Giants needs depth
and upgrades in the interior of their defensive line and Miami could also use
some depth.
Clifton Dickson/DT/x-Florida State: Tuesday's workout impressed several
teams. Sources have told us Green Bay Packers general manager John Dorsey is
considering using a late-round pick for Dickson or will most definitely pursue
him should he reach undrafted free agent status. The other team very interested
in Dickson is the Arizona Cardinals, who could use some depth at the position.
The league has been telling people they expect to officially announce the
results of the supplemental draft somewhere around 3:30 pm ET on Thursday. We
would expect information to trickle in around 1:00 pm if one of the top players
is selected in the third/fourth-round area.