Never too early: Top players for 2007

LSUJeremy · 05-11-2006, 12:20 PM

Bowe apparently had an eye problem and had surgery to fix it. Has to be a contributing factor to some of those drops.

On that list posted or players to watch for next year I was surprised it was Doucet first, Bowe second, and Craig Davis not at all. I almost have to think you reverse that.

gandhi1007 · 05-11-2006, 12:26 PM

Doucet, as talented as he is, dropped so many balls that I lost count. Buster began holding on to the ball better as the season progressed, but he dropped alot early on. Bowe was probably the most sure handed all together last year. I'm glad he got his eyes fixed. At least he's addressing some of the problem.

hagan714 · 05-12-2006, 12:03 PM

Based more on needs. Then again if a Bush drops in our lap Oh Well
Were they may fall:
1-10
Paul Posluszny OLB Penn State 6-2 230 4.56 He injured a knee in the Orange Bowl victory over FSU; otherwise he would have been in this year's draft. He could be next year's A.J. HawkThough the impact made by seniors Michael Robinson, Tamba Hali and Alan Zemaitis on Penn State's turnaround last season cannot be overstated, neither can the force that was Posluszny. He not only won the Butkus Award as the nation's elite linebacker, but also the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's top defensive player. His 116 tackles led the team and his consistency became a trademark. Last season he became the first Big Ten student-athlete selected Football Player of the Week (Offense, Defense or Special Teams) three consecutive weeks since the conference began the selections in 1987.

Quinn Pitcock DT Ohio State 6-3 298 4.87 : Bullish defensive tackle whose combination of 6-3, 295-pound frame and rare pure strength make him one of top run defending interior linemen to watch for in the 2007 draft. Pitcock has earned starting action each of the past three seasons, but didn't develop into a full-time starter until last season. Pitcock lacks quickness off the snap and isn't a pass rush threat, but his ability to stand up blockers at the point of attack, locate the ball, shed and make the tackle has scouts interested.

10-20
H.B. Blades ILB Pittsburgh 6-0 240 4.63 : A two-time first-team All-Big East selection, Blades returns for his senior season as one of the elite defenders in the collegiate ranks. Moving from the strong side to middle linebacker last season, Blades exploded, leading all Big East defenders with 121 tackles and ranking 13th nationally with an average of 11 tackles per game. He certainly has the bloodlines: His father, Bennie, and his uncles Al and Brian, were standouts at the University of Miami and went on to successful careers in the NFL.

Leon Hall CB Michigan 6-0 200 4.43 : He is a fluid cover corner who has 25 career pass breakups. He has the size teams love in a corner. Hall has been called Michigan's top cornerback since Heisman winner Charles Woodson. A veteran of 37 career games, including 24 starts, Hall has 25 passes broken up and 9 interceptions, both leading all current Wolverines. Hall has earned Big Ten honors after each of the past two seasons and could be in line for All-American honors in 2006

Marcus Thomas DT Florida 6-3 290 5.08 : A starter during each of the past three seasons, Thomas has never posted fewer than 39 tackles or more than 47. NFL scouts love Thomas' 6-3, 290-pound frame, but perhaps because the game seems to come so easy to him, the expectations are that he has the potential to enjoy a truly dominant 2006. Thomas' tackles for loss have risen from 3.5 to 7.5 to 10.5 over the past three seasons, and NFL scouts are already asking Florida coaches about the talented tackle

LaRon Landry FS LSU 6-2 205 4.46 : He has size and range to be an effective free safety on the next level. He always seems to be around the ball. One of the top defensive backs in the country since he first stepped onto the field for the Bayou Bengals -- earning SEC accolades since his freshman season. He is an athletic, instinctive and incredibly productive free safety who led LSU in tackles in both 2003 and 2004 and enters his senior season with 241 career tackles to go along with 9 interceptions and 18 passes broken up. LaRon is the young brother of 2006 prospect Dawan Landry, a safety from Georgia Tech who was drafted in the fifth round by Baltimore.

20-25
Brandon Mebane DT California 6-3 305 4.93 With Oregon DT Haloti Ngata moving on to the NFL, Pac-10 fans should shift their focus to Cal's Mebane, who is becoming a similar force at the point of attack. The first-team All Pac-10 defender finished with only 22.5 tackles last season, but 16.5 of those were behind the line of scrimmage, including 7.0 sacks.

Steve Breaston WR Michigan 6-1 182 4.52 : While Braylon Edwards and Jason Avant have taken most of the attention in previous seasons, 2006 should be Breaston's coming out party. Breaston has a silky smooth running style and penchant for making the big play in the big game. He has emerged not only as a quality receiver, but also as a big-play return specialist. Breaston joined former Wisconsin standout Nick Davis as the only players in Big Ten history with 1,000 career yards in three different categories (receiving, kick return, punt return).

Patrick Willis ILB Mississippi 6-2 232 4.65 : He led the SEC in tackles last year, which says something about his ability to get to the football. At 6-2, 235, he has the size teams want in their linebackers. Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi: Perhaps due to Mississippi's 4-8 record last season, too few around the country know of Willis, a 2005 All-American and the nation's leader in average solo tackles per game (9.0). Willis finished last season with 128 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss (-42), three sacks (-28), two caused fumbles, one fumble recovery, three passes defensed, two quarterback pressures and one pass interception. Willis produced despite struggling through a broken middle finger on his right hand, a sprained left knee, a right mid-foot injury and a partial AC joint separation of his right shoulder. He underwent successful surgery to his right foot last December and has been sidelined since, although he is expected to be ready by August.

Earl Everett OLB Florida 6-2 232 4.59 : Everett has emerged as one of the SEC's key defenders over the past two seasons. A second-team SEC choice after the 2004 and 2005 seasons, Everett has averaged 73 tackles and four tackles for loss, the most of any Gator during that time. Everett, at 6-2, 232 pounds, has classic size for the position and plays an intense, explosive brand of football that the NFL loves

Some to watch:

Antoine Cason Arizona CB 6-1 180 : Good cover corners always seem to rise to the top of a draft. Cason has that ability. Playing in Arizona's aggressive defense, he gets a lot of chances to play man coverage, which scouts love to see

Brandon Siler LB Florida 6-2 235 : This junior has a chance to be a big-time player on the next level. He is a tackling machine for the Gators, a guy who can run and chase as well as any linebacker in the country.

Daymeion Hughes CB California 6-2 188 4.52 is a lock-down defender whose stock is on the rise, and might be one of the top two corners in next year's draft.

If Brees stays healthy trade the house for this guy.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech: A junior in 2006, this kid has all the tools to be a great one. He's the premier receiver in the country with outstanding size (6-4, 225), 4.4 speed and great hands. As a likely Top 5 pick, he's not apt to stick around for his senior season. He's almost a lock to come out next year.

I would trade Horn, Beerman, Donte and Hernderson for him. More so if our draft choices live up to the billing. We need picks for next year.

hagan714 · 05-12-2006, 12:05 PM

Most of the info came from fox sports as well as a couple of other sites

LSUJeremy · 05-12-2006, 12:09 PM

OM's Patrick Willis is a player. Plays hurt, plays good, and is always around the ball.

I'd never have thought that Bennie Blades was old enough to have a son about to be in the NFL. Weird.

hagan714 · 05-12-2006, 12:29 PM

LSUJeremy

two of use will be on the edge of our seats for the saints to pick him

LSUJeremy · 05-12-2006, 12:33 PM

hagan, did you watch the Ariz. St./LSU game this past year? #44 Robinson, for ASU was all over the field making plays. I have no idea why, but he went undrafted. Signed as an UFA with the Colts. He and Willis remind me of each other.

pakowitz · 05-12-2006, 12:36 PM

that dude is a beast

hagan714 · 05-12-2006, 05:03 PM

alot of strange things happened this year in the draft. Could not believe the good players that went as UDFA.
Robinson was on a list for me and i was suprised he went UD. heck Hass still has me in amazement.

smyce · 05-12-2006, 06:22 PM

Willis is a force for sure. Good thing the rest of the team sucks cause that might pose a problem for the Tigers.

My favorite player to watch this season will be Posluszny from Penn State. I think he can be the best LB we've seen in a while and certainly better than A.J. Hawk. Unfortunately and hopefully, the Saints wont have a high enough draft pick to take him.

Someone earlier in the thread said LaRon Landry will be the best pro to come out of LSU. I tend to agree. He is a bonafide stud. Too bad he's a safety.

05-11-2006, 12:20 PM	#61
LSUJeremy 100th Post Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 472	Bowe apparently had an eye problem and had surgery to fix it. Has to be a contributing factor to some of those drops. On that list posted or players to watch for next year I was surprised it was Doucet first, Bowe second, and Craig Davis not at all. I almost have to think you reverse that.
LSUJeremy 100th Post Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 472

05-12-2006, 12:03 PM	#63
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	Based more on needs. Then again if a Bush drops in our lap Oh Well Were they may fall: 1-10 Paul Posluszny OLB Penn State 6-2 230 4.56 He injured a knee in the Orange Bowl victory over FSU; otherwise he would have been in this year's draft. He could be next year's A.J. HawkThough the impact made by seniors Michael Robinson, Tamba Hali and Alan Zemaitis on Penn State's turnaround last season cannot be overstated, neither can the force that was Posluszny. He not only won the Butkus Award as the nation's elite linebacker, but also the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation's top defensive player. His 116 tackles led the team and his consistency became a trademark. Last season he became the first Big Ten student-athlete selected Football Player of the Week (Offense, Defense or Special Teams) three consecutive weeks since the conference began the selections in 1987. Quinn Pitcock DT Ohio State 6-3 298 4.87 : Bullish defensive tackle whose combination of 6-3, 295-pound frame and rare pure strength make him one of top run defending interior linemen to watch for in the 2007 draft. Pitcock has earned starting action each of the past three seasons, but didn't develop into a full-time starter until last season. Pitcock lacks quickness off the snap and isn't a pass rush threat, but his ability to stand up blockers at the point of attack, locate the ball, shed and make the tackle has scouts interested. 10-20 H.B. Blades ILB Pittsburgh 6-0 240 4.63 : A two-time first-team All-Big East selection, Blades returns for his senior season as one of the elite defenders in the collegiate ranks. Moving from the strong side to middle linebacker last season, Blades exploded, leading all Big East defenders with 121 tackles and ranking 13th nationally with an average of 11 tackles per game. He certainly has the bloodlines: His father, Bennie, and his uncles Al and Brian, were standouts at the University of Miami and went on to successful careers in the NFL. Leon Hall CB Michigan 6-0 200 4.43 : He is a fluid cover corner who has 25 career pass breakups. He has the size teams love in a corner. Hall has been called Michigan's top cornerback since Heisman winner Charles Woodson. A veteran of 37 career games, including 24 starts, Hall has 25 passes broken up and 9 interceptions, both leading all current Wolverines. Hall has earned Big Ten honors after each of the past two seasons and could be in line for All-American honors in 2006 Marcus Thomas DT Florida 6-3 290 5.08 : A starter during each of the past three seasons, Thomas has never posted fewer than 39 tackles or more than 47. NFL scouts love Thomas' 6-3, 290-pound frame, but perhaps because the game seems to come so easy to him, the expectations are that he has the potential to enjoy a truly dominant 2006. Thomas' tackles for loss have risen from 3.5 to 7.5 to 10.5 over the past three seasons, and NFL scouts are already asking Florida coaches about the talented tackle LaRon Landry FS LSU 6-2 205 4.46 : He has size and range to be an effective free safety on the next level. He always seems to be around the ball. One of the top defensive backs in the country since he first stepped onto the field for the Bayou Bengals -- earning SEC accolades since his freshman season. He is an athletic, instinctive and incredibly productive free safety who led LSU in tackles in both 2003 and 2004 and enters his senior season with 241 career tackles to go along with 9 interceptions and 18 passes broken up. LaRon is the young brother of 2006 prospect Dawan Landry, a safety from Georgia Tech who was drafted in the fifth round by Baltimore. 20-25 Brandon Mebane DT California 6-3 305 4.93 With Oregon DT Haloti Ngata moving on to the NFL, Pac-10 fans should shift their focus to Cal's Mebane, who is becoming a similar force at the point of attack. The first-team All Pac-10 defender finished with only 22.5 tackles last season, but 16.5 of those were behind the line of scrimmage, including 7.0 sacks. Steve Breaston WR Michigan 6-1 182 4.52 : While Braylon Edwards and Jason Avant have taken most of the attention in previous seasons, 2006 should be Breaston's coming out party. Breaston has a silky smooth running style and penchant for making the big play in the big game. He has emerged not only as a quality receiver, but also as a big-play return specialist. Breaston joined former Wisconsin standout Nick Davis as the only players in Big Ten history with 1,000 career yards in three different categories (receiving, kick return, punt return). Patrick Willis ILB Mississippi 6-2 232 4.65 : He led the SEC in tackles last year, which says something about his ability to get to the football. At 6-2, 235, he has the size teams want in their linebackers. Patrick Willis, ILB, Mississippi: Perhaps due to Mississippi's 4-8 record last season, too few around the country know of Willis, a 2005 All-American and the nation's leader in average solo tackles per game (9.0). Willis finished last season with 128 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss (-42), three sacks (-28), two caused fumbles, one fumble recovery, three passes defensed, two quarterback pressures and one pass interception. Willis produced despite struggling through a broken middle finger on his right hand, a sprained left knee, a right mid-foot injury and a partial AC joint separation of his right shoulder. He underwent successful surgery to his right foot last December and has been sidelined since, although he is expected to be ready by August. Earl Everett OLB Florida 6-2 232 4.59 : Everett has emerged as one of the SEC's key defenders over the past two seasons. A second-team SEC choice after the 2004 and 2005 seasons, Everett has averaged 73 tackles and four tackles for loss, the most of any Gator during that time. Everett, at 6-2, 232 pounds, has classic size for the position and plays an intense, explosive brand of football that the NFL loves Some to watch: Antoine Cason Arizona CB 6-1 180 : Good cover corners always seem to rise to the top of a draft. Cason has that ability. Playing in Arizona's aggressive defense, he gets a lot of chances to play man coverage, which scouts love to see Brandon Siler LB Florida 6-2 235 : This junior has a chance to be a big-time player on the next level. He is a tackling machine for the Gators, a guy who can run and chase as well as any linebacker in the country. Daymeion Hughes CB California 6-2 188 4.52 is a lock-down defender whose stock is on the rise, and might be one of the top two corners in next year's draft. If Brees stays healthy trade the house for this guy. Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech: A junior in 2006, this kid has all the tools to be a great one. He's the premier receiver in the country with outstanding size (6-4, 225), 4.4 speed and great hands. As a likely Top 5 pick, he's not apt to stick around for his senior season. He's almost a lock to come out next year. I would trade Horn, Beerman, Donte and Hernderson for him. More so if our draft choices live up to the billing. We need picks for next year.
	"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins

05-12-2006, 12:09 PM	#65
LSUJeremy 100th Post Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 472	OM's Patrick Willis is a player. Plays hurt, plays good, and is always around the ball. I'd never have thought that Bennie Blades was old enough to have a son about to be in the NFL. Weird.
LSUJeremy 100th Post Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 472

05-12-2006, 12:33 PM	#67
LSUJeremy 100th Post Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 472	hagan, did you watch the Ariz. St./LSU game this past year? #44 Robinson, for ASU was all over the field making plays. I have no idea why, but he went undrafted. Signed as an UFA with the Colts. He and Willis remind me of each other.
LSUJeremy 100th Post Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 472

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05-11-2006, 12:26 PM	#62
gandhi1007 Part Time Pimp Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,967	Doucet, as talented as he is, dropped so many balls that I lost count. Buster began holding on to the ball better as the season progressed, but he dropped alot early on. Bowe was probably the most sure handed all together last year. I'm glad he got his eyes fixed. At least he's addressing some of the problem.

05-12-2006, 12:05 PM	#64
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	Most of the info came from fox sports as well as a couple of other sites

05-12-2006, 12:29 PM	#66
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	LSUJeremy two of use will be on the edge of our seats for the saints to pick him

05-12-2006, 12:36 PM	#68
pakowitz The Dark Overlord Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: dirty south Posts: 3,450	that dude is a beast

05-12-2006, 05:03 PM	#69
hagan714 LB Mentallity Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 15,870 Blog Entries: 68	alot of strange things happened this year in the draft. Could not believe the good players that went as UDFA. Robinson was on a list for me and i was suprised he went UD. heck Hass still has me in amazement.

05-12-2006, 06:22 PM	#70
smyce 100th Post Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cedar Falls, IA Posts: 184	Willis is a force for sure. Good thing the rest of the team sucks cause that might pose a problem for the Tigers. My favorite player to watch this season will be Posluszny from Penn State. I think he can be the best LB we've seen in a while and certainly better than A.J. Hawk. Unfortunately and hopefully, the Saints wont have a high enough draft pick to take him. Someone earlier in the thread said LaRon Landry will be the best pro to come out of LSU. I tend to agree. He is a bonafide stud. Too bad he's a safety.