Top 10 2009 Senior Bowl Performances
1. QB Pat White – This kid is special. He’s like a mini-Michael Vick with Barry Sanders’ humility. Great kid, even better player. That being said, I’m still not sure he’s an every-down quarterback. What I’m sure he is is Kordell “Slash” Stewart on steroids. I can see him playing receiver in the slot, playing QB in short-yardage situations, being the wildcat for 10 snaps a game. I can envision him becoming the most dangerous and effective utility player ever. I think he could go as high as the second or third round, but that is contingent on his willingness to play receiver and wildcat. Then again, I admire his determination to play the quarterback position. His teammates chose him as captain and he was the game’s MVP. He couldn’t have had a better week.
2. DE Robert Ayers, Tennessee - Set to become the biggest Ayers since Bill. When I say Draft, you say Ayers — Draft-Ayers! Draft-Ayers! (gotta love that SNL skit) Coming in, critics were concerned about him not being a full-time starter as a Vol for very long. Then he straight whooped Michael Oher last Monday in practice and was basically unblockable in last night’s game, recording 1.5 sacks — the half sack resulting in a defensive TD. He’s a second-round lock who could move up with a strong combine showing. Ayers was the Defensive Player of the Game.
3. WR – Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma - His play last night after the week of practice he had has convinced me that he is this year’s Eddie Royal. I’m going to call him Steak n Shake. Why? He’s got the hands of a good graveyard shift server — he holds onto the ball regardless of the situation; B.) He’s definitely got the shake part down; C.) He’s always open. Love this kid.
4. LB Rey Maualuga, USC – Rey outplayed teammate Brian Cushing after a week where it looked like Cushing might pass him on draft boards. He rebounded immediately from a missed tackle early on to cause a fumble on the same series. Later in the game he absolutely annihilated an attempted halfback screen, beating standout center Max Unger to make the play. He looked like a pro amongst amateurs out there at times. The NFL needs a Rey for the next generation. He’s ready.
5. TE Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State – The best blocking tight end who’s also a good receiver that I’ve ever seen at this level. He’s a 10 as a blocker, an 8 as a receiver. His blocking was just awesome last night, and he’s the best TE receiver in this class as well. Pencil him in as a first-rounder. Actually, you’re safe to use pen.
6. C Eric Woods, Louisville - I watched him a lot, and like what I saw from the mauler. He dominated B.J. Raji — arguably the best DT in the draft — on one short TD run by getting under Raji’s pads and blowing him off the ball. Impressive.
7. RB Andre Brown, NC State – You know those third-round RBs that end up starting during their rookie season. I could see Brown doing that. What can Brown do for your team? A lot.
8. G/T Herman Johnson, LSU – He was a 15-pound baby. Now, I’m not so sure that he couldn’t eat a 15-pound baby. Big man, I just dig the way you move all that man. If you keep your weight in check I could see you being a Leonard Davis-type player.
9. CB Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest – Should have had a pick six on a route he jumped, but couldn’t come down with it, . He’s a potential shutdown corner for sure. He’ll probably be picked early second, making him this year’s Brandon Flowers. He’ll play like a first-rounder.
10. OT Xavier Fulton, Illinois – Got called for a questionable holding call, but I thought he moved better than any OT in the game. He can really get downfield and make some things happen. I think this kid is a serious sleeper becuase of his athleticism. Could be a better pro than college player.
