VS 
Auburn
The strength of
this team is defense and they have some great players. In the end we
feel Karlos
Dansby will enter the draft and be the first
linebacker selected and taken during
the first fifteen choices. He is a complete player that stays on the field
no matter what the situation and in time will develop into a tremendous NFLer.
At one time we felt the same way about defensive
tackle DeMarco
McNeil, though his play has seemingly slipped the past two seasons. His build, explosion and
style of play reminds us of a smaller version of Casey Hampton. From a
physical standpoint not many can match Dontarrious
Thomas; a forceful specimen that looks and plays the part.
When it comes to instincts Thomas is a late reactor and not as quick in the head
as Dansby or McNeil. A fourth highly rated Tiger, and also an underclassmen, would be
tight
end Robert
Johnson, another terrific athlete that catches the ball effectively
and dominates at the point of attack blocking when he puts his mind to it.
The difference in Johnson not fitting into the first round choice is an inability to run
fast for the watch (or on the field for that matter).
Penn
St
State was back
this year thanks in part to the tremendous talent and performance of its' senior
players. Larry
Johnson went from a possible first day pick to a top 15 selection with
his play in 2002; he is a great interior
runner with the skill to take it outside of tackle and combines brute force with excellent running
instincts. Jimmy
Kennedy improved his play off of 2001 and has all the skills,
potential and ability to justify a top 5 choice. If someone can help add
a nasty streak Kennedy can dominate at the next level. It's easy to overlook defensive
end Michael
Haynes as he's barely 6-foot 2-inches; not a great height for a true
defensive end. But watching him on film the past three years he makes some
jaw dropping plays against the run and pass. Haynes ability to wreak havoc
up the field rushing the passer will put him into the first round. Bryan
Scott had a good year at corner
and offers a big cover man that may be
moved to safety; his man-to-man skills were impressive last year. Wide
receiver Bryant
Johnson also stepped up as a senior displaying a lot more consistency which he combined with the game breaking skills he always had.
A good week of practices at the Senior Bowl coupled with solid pre-draft
workouts will push him into the first 60 choices. Defensive
tackle Anthony
Adams makes a lot of plays but his lack of height makes it easy for opponents
to engulf him; he will be good value in the later rounds. Tackle
Gus Felder is a fine athlete but may be more effective as a pro
inside at guard.
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