The NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight Series continues featuring a small back who plans to make big noise at the next level. Meet Arizona State running back Dimitri Nance as he joins Host Bo Marchionte in this episode.
Player Spotlight: Ryan McFoy, Arizona State
The NFL Draft Bible goes one-on-one with Arizona State free safety Ryan McCoy in this edition of the Player Spotlight Show hosted by Bo Marchionte.
Player Spotlight: Brett Johnson, California
Get to know California free safety Brett Johnson in the latest edition of the NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight Show Hosted by Bo Marchionte.
Draft Riser: John Destin, Tulsa
When you think about cornerbacks from the state of Oklahoma, “Tulsa” probably isn’t the first city or school that comes to mind. However, the Golden Hurricane of the University of Tulsa has one of the fastest rising players in this year’s draft: cornerback John Destin. Destin had a terrific senior season with 44 total tackles (one TFL), four interceptions and five pass break-ups. He followed that up with a great pro day.
“This process has been crazy. I had no clue how it all was going to be, but the coaches at Tulsa told me if I had a good pro day I would get some looks,” said Destin.
Well, he did have a good pro day. Destin measured in at 5’ 11 7/8” and 191 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds, the three-cone drill in 6.82-seconds, and the short shuttle 4.15-seconds. He measured
Draft Diamond: Brandon Brinkley , Houston
Houston cornerback Brandon Brinkley has been a starter at cornerback since his freshman season, and is one of just a handful of players in Houston history to have competed in four bowl games during their collegiate careers. Brinkley’s next task: make an impact at the next level.
This season Brinkley was fifth on the team with 75 tackles, including 50 solo stops, and second with four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. As a junior he led the team with 15 pass breakups, ranked fifth with 74 tackles, and—as was the case this past season—had four interceptions and brought one back for a touchdown.
Brinkley knows that going against the Cougars’ wide open passing attack in practice every day has helped him become a better overall player.
“The NFL is turning into a passing game, and with the offense that we have
Shanahan Finds Special Use For Tebow
Thomas George, of NFL Fanhouse, reports Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said he could use Florida QB Tim Tebow on special teams initially if the team were to select him in the NFL Draft due to his size and physicality. “I think the guy is such a competitor. Wherever he ends up playing he will do a good job,” Shanahan said. “He is such a worker. How are you going to use him? How long will you give him to develop? He is such an athlete. You know he is going to work. Maybe you put him on special teams. He has the size of a linebacker or tight end. He is not afraid of hitting people. It’s a way to use him more and early on the 45-man roster. I wouldn’t hesitate to do that.”
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AVAILABLE NOW: The
Source: Bengals Investigate Tight Ends
Joe Reedy, of The Cincinnati Enquirer, reports the Cincinnati Bengals appear to be zeroing in on University of Oklahoma TE Jermaine Gresham, University of Florida TE Aaron Hernandez and University of Pittsburgh TE Dorin Dickerson in their evaluation of the tight ends in the draft. The Bengals have asked for the medical reports for each of the prospects, according to a source.
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AVAILABLE NOW: The 9th Annual 2010 NFL Draft Bible!
Draft Riser: Jared Odrick, Penn State
As the 3-4 defense continues to grow in popularity, there is an increased market for athletic defensive linemen who can play the defensive end spot, or 5 technique. With nearly half of the league now utilizing some variation of the 3-4, the position has grown in importance, and the draft reflects it. Many players are now seeing their stock rise as a result of this change in draft culture.
One such player is Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick. At one point considered a late first rounder at best, Odrick has seen his stock take a monumental up-turn. The 6’5” 298-pound defensive lineman is now being mentioned as a potential top-10 selection, possibly by the Cleveland Browns at 7.
What is the reason for this abrupt change in stock?
Vikes’ Draft Situation Not So Clear Cut
The Vikings pressing need for a defensive back has now been called into question. Rumors of the Vikings taking an offensive lineman such as Idaho guard Mike Iupati, Rutgers tackle Anthony Davis, or Florida center Maurkice Pouncey have gotten more prevalent over the last couple of weeks. It’s not that the team’s concern over their defensive backfield has been eased; rather that following the departure of all-purpose offensive lineman Artis Hicks, the offensive line has become just as important. Should one of these linemen fall to them at pick 30, the Vikings will find themselves in a bit of a predicament.
Quarterback is another issue the Vikings are facing. Even if Brett Favre does return, what are their future plans? They missed their opportunity to acquire Donovan McNabb
Minnesota Stadium Talks Heating Up
The Vikings have wanted a new stadium for years, but until recently there has been little progress made toward that end. With only two years left on the Metrodome lease, there is a growing need to get the process in motion before it is too late. Funding has always been an issue, but Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has kicked around the idea of a state lottery, which is the same kind of funding that was used to build the stadiums for the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, and Baltimore Ravens. There is also the idea of an NFL memorabilia tax on items such as jerseys and t-shirts, which would be banked into a “stadium” fund.
Minnesota Vikings Vice President of Public Affairs and Stadium Development, Lester Bagley, claims there is progress in negotiations which will hopefully put them in position to get the deal done in the short term.
“There’s enough momentum and