By Chris "Raiden" Grewe
Published: June 6, 2005 PrintEmail
The Early List
By RaidenDAWG9, PSH Admin
Volume 2, Issue 2A
The column will return to form next week in its regular Monday rotation, but for this week, I've decided to do something a little different from the usual. Last year, I published several editions of something I called "The List", the top ten prospects available in the draft. This year, I'm going to be doing these more frequently and include any and all prospects who are eligible (read: juniors and third year sophomores are in, Teddy Ginn, Adrian Peterson, and all other youngin's will have to wait another year).
So without further ado, The Woof's The Early List.
1. Matt Leinart, QB, USC - I didn't have to think twice about this selection, Leinart was the top prospect in my eyes this year, and will be next year as well. The only way he doesn't go number one overall is if a team with a franchise quarterback drafts first or a team that needs a franchise left tackle, which we'll get to...
2. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, LT, Virginia - Right now. Bash him all you want, I think the kid's going to be a solid pro. I projected him third overall to the Browns this year, and I think he may be the top pick next year. Size is a slight concern, however, he did manage to put on about 20 pounds last season and looks to repeat that in '05, putting him up around 315, which is an acceptable weight for a LT in the pros.
3. A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State - Tough kid who plays a lot bigger than his 245 lb. frame would indicate. There were some questions as to how fast he actually was going into last year, however, A.J. answered those questions at Ohio State's pro day when he ran a 4.5 40 yard dash. Good tackler, amazing athleticism, and a soon-to-be fourth year starter (started as a true freshman on a national title squad) on what should measure up to be a great Buckeye defense.
4. Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa - I know he's athletic, got the size and smarts to be a solid NFL linebacker. Beyond that, I need to find more tape to be brutally honest, but rest assured I shall get a good first hand look at him when the Hawkeyes come to Columbus September 24.
5. Reggie Bush, RB/WR/Ret, USC - The second Trojan in my top ten and first underclassman, what can I say about the guy that hasn't already been said? This guy will be a threat in the NFL, and at 210 lbs with blazing speed, will be a challenge for the fastest of linebackers.
6. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, BC - Name's a lot to say, so I'll sum up the skills of this 6'7 pass rusher in three letters: wow. Could be a dominant end at the next level.
7. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis - Only a bowl game injury separated Williams from being the second back named Williams taken in the opening stanza of the '05 draft.
8. Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green - If you thought Ben Roethlisberger would be the best thing to ever come out of the MAC, think again. Jacobs threw for over 40 touchdowns against only 4 picks as a sophomore in Bowling Green's offense. One more season like that, and this kid's a top five pick hands down.
9. Eric Winston, LT, Miami - I was debating whether or not to include a player coming off a major knee surgery in my top ten, but Winston's got that kind of talent. Much like Robert Gallery, he was a converted tight end coming out of high school. Before an injury last year, I projected him as a late first round pick. I think he recovers, and could vault into the top five with a solid season watching new Miami QB Kyle Wright.
10. Jimmy Williams, CB, Va. Tech - If anybody's got tape on him, let me know. I've seen very little of him, but the little I did see was impressive.
The Final Thought
As I mentioned earlier, the full column will return next Monday.
As I mentioned in my last column, I'll be posting one Classic Woof a week until I run out (which should be, eh, Septemberish if my arithmetic serves...), so stay tuned for those.
