Anyone who studies college football prospects can get an idea of where they might go in the draft based on talent level, but where media/draftniks like myself have a hard time projecting players is in instances where we are not privvy to two important process in the making of a N.F.L. big board. The first is interviews. Being removed from front offices it is impossible to know who wowed general managers and coaches in interviews. This is after all is a job application and sometimes the people who are less qualified or skilled can make up for it in the interview process and get the job. This holds true for N.F.L. prospects as well. The second part that drastically effects draft slotting that can not be seen by watching tape is the medical checks.
Today in the National Football Post Dan Pompei gives us some insight into players who have medical concerns from NFL teams.
So don’t be surprised if these players fall further in the draft than you might have otherwise thought. In parenthesis I’ll put where I thought their draft range was
Omar Bolden, Arizona State cornerback. He has been hurt a lot in his career and has had multiple knee injuries that are likely to affect his draft stock. His knee needs to be checked again before the draft. (late day 3)
Brandon Boykin, Georgia cornerback. He broke his leg in the Senior Bowl, so he hasn’t been able to work out. Scouts think he should be OK with continued rehab, but the situation needs to be monitored. (Mid 2nd round)
Josh Chapman, Alabama defensive tackle. He has a pretty serious knee issues that could affect his stock. (3rd round)
Paul Cornick, North Dakota State offensive tackle. Anytime a lineman has back issues, it’s not a good thing. Cornick has back issues. (day 3 /UDFA)
Loni Fangupo, Brigham Young defensive tackle. This Southern Cal transfer is big and talented, but has numerous physical issues that could make him a draft risk. (rd 5)
Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State safety. He is one of the more talented safeties in the draft, but a knee problem could affect his stock. (early 3rd round)
Chase Minnifield, Virginia cornerback. He has a knee problem that has teams concerned. If he checks out, he could go as high as the second round. (2nd round)
Chris Owusu, Stanford wide receiver. His history of concussions is a major red flag that many teams will take into account. (I’ve had him rd 6 forever because I’m aware of his concussion history)
Donte Paige-Moss, North Carolina defensive end. He tore his ACL in the Independence Bowl and his rookie year might be a wash. He won’t be able to work out, and his knee needs to be rechecked. (Rd 5 because he was so bad this year at times–could go Undrafted now)
Trent Richardson, Alabama running back. Front office men I spoke with are not overly concerned about Richardson’s knee, and he is not likely to fall in the draft as a result. However, he has not been able to run for the NFL and interested teams will need to keep a close eye on his progress leading up to the draft. (top 10)
Alameda Ta’Amu, Washington defensive tackle. He has shoulder and knee problems that are of concern to NFL teams. (large draft range. Late round 1 to early round 3)
Fozzy Whittaker, Texas running back. He injured his knee in November and has been on ice since. NFL doctors will want to take another look. (UDFA)
What that does mean that outside of Trent Richardson, Chase Minnifield, Martin, and Boykin the top players in this draft have a clean bill of health and there shouldn’t be too many surprise tumbles in the 2012 N.F.L. draft.
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