Hawaii Bowl: NFL Draft Prospects

Sunday night Boise State and East Carolina will showcase some 2008 NFL Draft hopefuls. Scout.com's Chris Steuber tells you who to keep an eye on and what round he thinks they'll be selected in next April's draft.

BOISE STATE

No	Name	Pos	Hgt	Wt	Exp	Draft Projection
1	Ryan Clady	OT	6-6	317	Jr.	1st Round
Notes: Clady is a big, athletic tackle that can protect the blindside of a quarterback for many years. He’s quick off the snap, uses his hands effectively, and delivers a fluid initial punch that knocks defenders off their rush. He has good lateral movement and uses his strength to turn opponents away from the action. He’s an intelligent lineman that works well with his teammates and understands his assignments. Clady filed paperwork with the NFL College Advisory Committee to determine where he stands as an NFL prospect. If he declares for the draft, Clady will be a sure first round selection. With an exceptional performance against East Carolina, his stock will rise heading into the off-season.
2	Ian Johnson	RB	5-11	195	Jr.	3rd  – 4th Round
Notes: Johnson is a playmaker out of the backfield who is an excellent runner between the tackles and around the end. He has great vision and quickness. He’s a shifty ball-handler that runs with a great degree of patience. He follows blocks well and quickly finds a seam. He’s an elusive runner that makes defenders miss. He doesn’t have great size, but he uses an effective stiff arm to keep tacklers away. He has soft, reliable hands out of the backfield. Johnson also filed paper work with the advisory committee to determine his draft status for the 2008 draft. Johnson is married and will consider his options professionally, but it’s likely he’ll decide to stay at Boise State for his senior season.
3	Orlando Scandrick	CB	5-11	198	Jr.	4th Round
Notes: Scandrick is an athletic cornerback who can impact a game as a return specialist. He’s fluid transitioning in coverage and has quick feet to defend a faster opponent. He has quick hips and reads the quarterback well while defending the opposition. He’s disciplined in coverage and understands his assignments. He’s a willing run defender and plays physically at the line of scrimmage. Scandrick is another Bronco that filed paper work with the advisory committee, and it appears he’s leaning towards entering the draft. Another year at Boise State would benefit Scandrick and his draft positioning. But, he’s a talented defender that has a chance to make a contribution to a team at the next level immediately.
4	Marty Tadman	S	5-11	185	Sr.	7th Round - UFA
Notes: Tadman is a smart, instinctive defender that makes plays in the secondary. He plays well in coverage and is a good tackler. He lacks ideal size and isn’t strong at the point of attack. He’s a bit of a tweener and has to improve his quickness to be an option at the next level. Tadman has a chance to make an NFL roster as a special teams standout.
5	Taylor Tharp	QB	6-2	206	Sr.	UFA
Notes: A first year starter for the Broncos, Tharp showed good poise and decision making this season. He completed 68-percent of his passes and threw for 3,070 yards, 28 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Tharp will draw some interest from NFL teams, but he’s a long shot to make a roster.
6	Nick Schlekeway	DE	6-4	262	Sr.	UFA
Notes: Schlekeway is a hardworking defensive end that plays with a high motor and doesn’t give up on a play. He lacks explosion and proper technique, but gets by on grit and determination.
7	Jeff Cavender	C	6-2	287	Sr.	UFA
Notes: Cavender is a versatile lineman that has played every position on the offensive line. His versatility may attract some teams at the next level.

EAST CAROLINA

No	Name	Pos	Hgt	Wt	Exp	Draft Projection
1	Chris Johnson	RB	5-11	195	Sr.	2nd  – 3rd Round
Notes: Johnson is a speedy, shifty runner that’s still developing his overall game. He’s an explosive receiver out of the backfield and can break open a game on any given play. He possesses elite speed, great hands, and tremendous elusiveness in the open field. He has a great burst and gets through a seam quicker than a hiccup. He has to show more patience in his running, but his athleticism and vision are second to none. Johnson has a lot of tools and is an accomplished receiver. Johnson’s draft stock will be on the rise this spring. He will emerge as one of the surprises at the Scouting Combine, just as Chris Henry did last year when he ran a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash, which in turn raised his draft status from a fifth rounder to a second round selection. Johnson will experience the same kind of rise.
2	Josh Coffman	OT	6-7	292	Sr.	UFA
Notes: Coffman is a versatile lineman that’s played inside and outside and has exclusively started at right tackle this season. He’s an intelligent player that understands everyone’s assignments on the offensive line, which allows him to fill-in at different positions and be an vital part of an offense.
3	Travis Williams	CB	5-10	186	Sr.	UFA
Notes: Williams is an athletic defender that has elite speed. He’s a physical corner that doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. He plays well in coverage and uses his speed to his advantage. He lacks size at the corner position, but offers a team another dimension as a return specialist.