Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency Publication
www.draftinsiders.com

Florida Maintains Top Ranking

Team of the Week – Texas Christian
Player of the Week – C.J. Spiller - Clemson

Photo – Runner C.J. Spiller - Clemson

Team / Ranking

1. Florida (7-0) – Gators face a huge test with Georgia this week.

2. Alabama (8-0) – Tide just got by a fired up Tennessee club.

3. Texas (7-0) – Longhorns drilled an overmatched Missouri team.

4. USC (6-1) – Trojans are ready for huge matchup at Oregon this week.

5. Cincinnati (7-0) - Bearcats continue to impress even without QB Tony Pike.

6. LSU (6-1) – Tigers took care of Auburn and get ready for big stretch of SEC games to finish the season.

7. Texas Christian (7-0) – TCU pounded a good BYU club and could continue to climb the charts.

8. Boise St (7-0) - Broncos weak schedule will hurt their ranking despite perfect record.

9. Oregon (6-1) – Ducks are looking to ambush Southern Cal this Saturday in game of the week.

10. Iowa (8-0) – Hawkeyes have learned how to win the close games.

11. Georgia Tech (7-1) – Georgia Tech drilled Virginia in last one and continue to impress and move up the charts.

12. Penn St (7-1) – Nittany Lions won big test at Michigan last week.

13. Virginia Tech (5-2) – Tech coming off bye week with Thursday night matchup vs North Carolina up next.

14. Oklahoma St (6-1) – Cowboys offense is smoking and they get Texas at home this week.

15. Pittsburgh (7-1)- Panthers won another key Big East showdown vs South Florida and play out the schedule on their home turf.

16. Miami (5-2) - Canes got shocked by Clemson last week

17. Ohio St (6-2) – Buckeyes bombed Minnesota to get back in the win column.

18. Houston (6-1) - Cougars are walking through their weak CUSA schedule.

19. Utah (6-1) - Utes continue to win, setting up a few critical MWC games in November.

20. South Carolina (6-2) – SC gets a huge test at Tennessee this week.

21.West Virginia (6-1) - WV is heading for key late season Big East matchups with Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.

22. Mississippi (5-2) - Ole Miss are looking to finish strong after early season disappointments.

23. Oklahoma (4-3) – Sooners back in Top 25 and hope to run the table
with an important Big 12 schedule remaining.

24. Notre Dame (5-2) – The Irish are playing everyone tough and could challenge for a 10 win season with a strong finish.

25. Arizona (5-2) - Wildcats can rise further with a few critical Pac 10 games on the remaining schedule.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for the Super 16 College Team Polls throughout the season that will present Grantland Rice award to the national champion in January 2010. He is also a voter for Players of the Week and for the FWAA All-American teams at the conclusion of each season.

John Mackey Midseason List

Photo - Dorin Dickerson - Pittsburgh

The 2009 John Mackey Award midseason watch list has been released by the Nassau County Sports Commission. Given annually to the best collegiate tight end, the award recipient is selected by vote of the John Mackey Award Selection Committee and the 2009 John Mackey winner will be announced on December 10, 2009. Other key dates include the announcement of the 2009 Mackey semi-finalists on November 16, 2009 and the announcement of the 2009 Mackey finalists on November 23, 2009.
Pittsburgh senior Dorin Dickerson, whose eight touchdown catches lead the entire country, has been named to the midseason watch list for the John Mackey Award, annually presented to the nation’s top tight end by the Nassau County Sports Commission.
Twenty-two players were named to the Mackey Award midseason list based on their performance during the first half of the 2009 season. Dickerson has enjoyed an exceptional campaign thus far with 27 receptions for 274 yards (10.1 avg.). His eight TD catches pace the Big East Conference and are tied for the national lead. He has scored at least one touchdown in five of Pitt’s seven games this year. He had a career-high three TDs in a 54-27 victory at Buffalo and two scores in the Panthers’ 35-10 win at Louisville. In Pitt’s dramatic come-from-behind 24-21win over Connecticut, he had a 27-yard TD catch that, following a 2-point conversion, tied the game at 21 with 7:35 left in the game. His TD helped wipe out a 15-point third-quarter deficit and set the stage for the game-winning field goal as time expired.
The 2009 John Mackey Award recipient will be selected by a vote of the award’s selection committee and announced on Dec. 10. Semifinalists will be announced on Nov. 16 and finalists on Nov. 23. Former Pitt tight end Kris Wilson, now a member of the San Diego Chargers, was a finalist for the John Mackey Award in 2003.
Pitt (6-1, 3-0 Big East) surged into the national polls this week, ranking No. 18 in Draft Insiders.com, #19 in the USA Today coaches poll and #20 by The Associated Press. The Panthers are No. 20 in the newly released Bowl Championship Series rankings. The Panthers will host Big East foe South Florida (5-1, 1-1) this Saturday at Heinz Field.

The John Mackey Award midseason watch list is an update from the preseason watch list. This list is meant to draw attention to tight ends in contention for the annual award based on their performance in the first half of the active season.

2009 John Mackey Award Midseason Watch List

PLAYER / YR / SCHOOL
George Bryan - SO - NC St
Dorin Dickerson - SR - Pittsburgh
Ed Dickson - SR - Oregon
Charlie Gantt - JR - Michigan St
Riar Geer - SR - Colorado
Garrett Graham - SR - Wisconsin
Ladarius Green - SO - Louisiana
Aaron Hernandez - JR - Florida
Jeron Mastrud - SR - Kansas St
Anthony McCoy - SR - Southern Cal
Mike McNeil - JR - Nebraska
Kavario Middleton - SO - Washington
Tony Moeaki - SR - Iowa
Colin Peek - SR - Alabama
Dennis Pitta - SR - BYU
Andrew Quarless - JR - Penn St
Jesse Rack - SR - Buffalo
Kyle Rudolph - SO - Notre Dame
Weslye Saunders - JR - South Carolina
Cody Slate - JR - Marshall
Luke Stocker - JR - Tennessee
DJ Williams - JR - Arkansas

Story continues on second page

Team of the Week - New Orleans Saints

Photo – Peyton Manning - Colts

NFL Power Rankings – Week 7
Rank / Team

1. Indianapolis Colts (5-0)
Colts move into top spot after bye week and travel to St Louis for a mismatch game.

2. Minnesota Vikings (6-0)
The Vikings’ are starting to show some magic with the addition of Brett Favre.

3. New Orleans Saints (5-0)
The Saints are very tough in NO behind Drew Brees in this high powered attack.

4. New York Giants (5-1)
The Giants threw in a clinker in New Orleans and need to regroup fast with the Cardinals coming to town.

5. New England Patriots (4-2)
QB Tom Brady is hitting stride and the Patriots are hungry and starting to build momentum.

6. Denver Broncos (5-0)
The Broncos have won two huge games consecutively vs the Patriots and Chargers over recent weeks.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
Steelers are prepping for a major battle with the Vikings coming to town.

8. Atlanta Falcons (4-1)
Falcons were ready for the Bears and face a strong stretch of NFC matchups.

9. Chicago Bears (3-2)
Bears face a key contest traveling to Cincinnati after Sunday night loss to Falcons.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
Eagles got blindsided by the Raiders.

11. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
Packers shut out the Lions and face a critical stretch of NFC games on the schedule.

12. Arizona Cardinals (3-2)
Cards’ Kurt Warner has a hot hand and capable of beating his ex team, the Giants on the road.

13. Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
Cowboys coming off their bye week and face NFC clubs, Atlanta and Seattle in Big D.

14. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)
The Bengals enter a critical stretch over the next month that could determine their fate.

15. Baltimore Ravens (3-3)
Ravens have lost three heartbreakers in a row and get their bye week to prepare for the stretch run.

16. New York Jets (3-3)
Three game losing streak has this week’s road contest in Oakland basically a must win situation.

17. San Francisco 49ers (3-2)
The 49ers are rested after their bye week for key road games with Houston and Indianapolis.

18. San Diego Chargers (2-3)
Chargers lost a key AFC West game with Broncos that has the next month vital to any playoff chances.

19. Miami Dolphins (2-3)
The Dolphins are well rested for the Saints, Jets and Patriots on the upcoming schedule.

20. Houston Texans (3-3)
Texans can put a stretch of games together here with 49ers and Bills up next.

21. Carolina Panthers (2-3)
Panthers are trying to sneak back into contention with two game winning streak.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3)
Jags get their bye week to prepare for their critical soft schedule over next month.

23. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
Seahawks on their bye week and hope to figure out what to fix for second half of season.

24. Buffalo Bills (2-4)
Bills won a key game vs Jets, but must string a few victories together to get into contention.

25. Washington Redskins (2-4)
Skins have lost to both the Chiefs and Lions that has HC Jim Zorn looking over his shoulder.

26. Oakland Raiders (2-4)
The Raiders shocked the Eagles that separates them from the winless clubs.

27. Kansas City Chiefs (1-5)
Chiefs jumped the Redskins that earned them their first win under new regime.

28. Cleveland Browns (1-5)
It might get a lot worse before it gets better.

29. Tennessee Titans (0-6)
Titans were simply terrible vs the Patriots that may start wholesales changes for next season.

30. St. Louis Rams (0-6)
The Rams lost in OT vs Jacksonville and have Colts coming in this Sunday.

31. Detroit Lions (1-5)
Lions are back on the beam with a three game losing streak.

32. Tampa Bay Bucs (0-6)
The Bucs have applied to the UFL as a new franchise.

DraftInsiders.com and ProFootballDraftNetwork.com
will be collaborating on a weekly article (posted every Wednesday during the college football regular season) to review the prior weeks most notable performances from a 2010 NFL Draft perspective.

Pro Prospects - Week 7 Performances
Photo - QB Case Keenum - Houston

Frank Coyle - www.draftinsiders.com
Draft Insiders’ Digest –19th Season

QB Case Keenum – Junior - Houston
Talented junior passer has played brilliantly this season in the high powered Cougar offense. Case has lite up marginal C-USA defenses weekly, displaying the talent to make all the throws with fine accuracy and timing. This kid has the package NFL coaches look for in a premier starting QB, though there are certainly questions related to his readiness for the pro game. He is accurate in the intermediate game and picks up secondary receivers well for a young prospect. Currently, he will be tempted to consider entering the NFL Draft, though his overall level of development is questionable at this critical position.

TE Garrett Graham – Senior - Wisconsin
Tough mobile senior tight end has been one of the premier performers in the Big Ten again this fall. He combines natural receiving skills with fine size for the position to become a well rounded complete pro starter. He has enough speed to stretch the field and the power to run after the catch ability that pressures a defense. He has very good size to become a solid inline blocker, and is developed as both an inline blocker and a move H back blocker. He has caught 29 passes for 331 yards and 4 TDs and is one of the more developed prospects at the position.

OT Ciron Black - Senior - LSU
Powerful agile tackle has excelled on the LSU line starting on the leftside the past three seasons. He combines massive size with fine quickness and power that displays the physical blocking style to be a top pro lineman. He will have to prove he has the footwork to be best suited for the left side at the NFL level. He has the package to become another top flight Tiger tackle to start as a pro and definitely a premier right tackle. He combines a great wingspan and strong hands to physically overwhelm an opponent. He has the agility that combined with his physical skills and overall power that ranks him as one of the blue chip tackles in this draft class. He is well

DE Ryan Kerrigan – Junior - Purdue
Aggressive junior defender had a dominant performance vs Ohio St that was instrumental in the Purdue huge upset victory. Against OSU, he registered a team high 9 tackles with 4 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 FF and 1 FR. He is an emerging defender with a quick first step and the power to gain a fast advantage to defeat blocking angles. He showed the speed and quickness to make plays as a pass rusher. His ability to rush the passer and also play the run makes him an every down defender in a 4-3 front. With the frame to carry more than the current 255 lbs., he has the physical package to be an every down starter in the basic pro scheme. He has been added to the 2009 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List.

TE Cody Slate - Senior - Marshall
Mobile senior tight end is having another fine season and has become one of the nation’s best performers. He has the package to be a fine pro H back performer with a high level of development as a receiver. He combines excellent pass catching skills that has allowed him to become a go to receiver in this offense. He gets open consistently and displays fine speed and soft hands to make all the catches. He has only marginal technique and physical talent as an inline blocker and needs further technique and strength development to start inline. His natural pass catching ability and run after the catch will allow him to fill the H-back role immediately as a pro.

Denis Krusos - Editor
Pro Football Draft Network
www.profootballdraftnetwork.com

G Mike Johnson, Senior, Alabama
The Crimson Tide ran over South Carolina in a 20-6 victory. Alabama gained 264 yards on the day (6.9 yards per rush) and controlled the game with their ground attack and defense. Mike Johnson and the Alabama offensive line opened holes for RB Mark Ingram (24 carries for 246 yards (10.2 per)) to help him enjoy a career day. Johnson also pass-protected well against a solid South Carolina defensive front and Alabama surrendered only a single sack. Johnson was a tenacious blocker against the Gamecocks. He used his long arms to his advantage and coiled his hips to win far more battles in the trenches than he lost. Johnson will bring some versatility to an NFL team, as he is a smart player with a good wingspan. He has the frame to be an offensive tackle and has a significant amount of experience at guard.

TE Anthony McCoy, Senior, USC
McCoy led the Trojans with 5 receptions for 153 yards (30.6 per) in USC’s 34-27 win at Notre Dame. He hurt the Irish with big gains that included a 60-yard catch and run ramble through the Notre Dame defense. McCoy displayed the ability to extend high and use his long arms and soft hands to snatch passes. The USC tight end is a nice combination of speed and size. Notre Dame did not have the linebackers to match-up against McCoy and paid the price. McCoy was effective as a blocker against the Irish, but has to become more physical in this department at the next level.

S Earl Thomas, Sophomore (3rd year), Texas
The Texas defense was largely responsible for the team’s 16-13 victory over Oklahoma. Thomas led the team in tackles with 7 (2 for losses) and broke up 3 passes and forced a fumble. His interception late in the 4th quarter sealed the win. Thomas does an excellent job of locating the football and then breaking on it. He leads the nation in pass break-ups (14) and interceptions (5). Thomas made life difficult for the Oklahoma offense by being a factor in run support (the Sooners ran for –16 yards and that is not a typo) and showing range and instincts in pass coverage. Quarterbacks that believe they can squeeze a ball into an area where Thomas is lurking are simply asking for trouble. The 3rd year sophomore may decide not to enter the 2010 NFL Draft, but he is a playmaker in the secondary.

CB Joe Haden, Junior, Florida
The Florida defense has been a consistent force this year and CB Joe Haden is a big part of the unit. Haden had 6 tackles (2 tackles for losses), 1 sack, 2 quarterback pressures and a pass break-up in the Gators’ hard-fought 23-20 win over Arkansas. Haden is not big (5’ 11” and maybe 190 lbs), but he is a really physical player who wants to mix it up. He is an asset in run support and can be sent on blitzes (as Arkansas discovered first-hand). The true junior may not enter the 2010 NFL Draft, but he is a smart, tough, quick and fast cornerback.

QB Colt McCoy, Senior, Texas
The Longhorns beat Oklahoma, but Colt McCoy did not help his draft stock with a shaky performance. McCoy completed 21 passes in 39 attempts (54%) for 127 yards (3.3 yards per attempt) with 1 touchdown pass and 1 interception and 2 fumbles. He also rushed for 33 yards on 14 carries (2.4 per). Oklahoma was able to hang in the game partly because of McCoy’s miscues. The Texas senior did not manage the game well as he allowed himself to be sacked for 15 yards on one play to take his team out of field goal range. You cannot take a sack in that situation. The Oklahoma defense confused and pressured McCoy into mistakes. McCoy only threw one pick, but there were several opportunities for more interceptions that the Sooners did not convert. Colt McCoy is tough and hurt his thumb early in the game and kept competing. However, he did not look like a wise early round draft choice against Oklahoma.

NFL Trading Deadline

Photo – Braylon Edwards - Jets

Former Top Picks Dealt Over Recent Weeks

The NFL trading deadline closed on Oct 20th at 4 pm with only a couple minor deals on the final day. The Eagles acquired LB Will Witherspoon from the Rams in exchange for rookie wideout Brandon Gibson and a 5th round pick in NFL Draft 2010. The Panthers acquired veteran DT Tank Tyler from the Chiefs for a 5th round pick at the NFL Draft 2010.
Over the past few weeks, there were two deals that involved two former #1 picks. The Browns traded former top pick WR Braylon Edwards to the Jets for two picks that includes a conditional 3rd round selection that could escalate to a 2nd round pick if Edwards meets certain production numbers. The Browns also receive a 5th round pick next April and two marginal veterans. Edwards was an instant star in the Jets passing game in his first game vs the Dolphins. He gives the Jets a true #1 receiver that has been missing in recent seasons.
The Bucs traded former top pick DE Gaines Adams, the fourth overall pick of the NFL Draft 2007 to the Bears for a #2 pick in next spring NFL Draft. The Bears hope he provides some outside pass rush to their veteran defense.

Gators Holds #1, Tide Moves #2

Team of Week - Texas

Photo - QB Tony Pike - Cincinnati

Team / Ranking

1. Florida (6-0) – Gators win over Arkansas despite supbar performance.

2. Alabama (7-0) – Tide beat a tough SC club and move up our charts.

3. Texas (6-0) – Longhorns win the Red River showdown and hit the road for two key Big 12 battles.

4. USC (5-1) – Trojans win in South Bend and close vs Pac 10 schedule.

5. Miami (5-1) - Canes winning games they should at this point.

6. LSU (5-1) – Tigers face a tough stretch of SEC games to close the schedule.

7. Boise St (6-0) - Broncos just got by an average Tulsa club last week.

8. Cincinnati (6-0) - Bearcats remain perfect but QB Tony Pike is out for now.

9. Texas Christian (6-0) – TCU travels to Provo to battle with BYU for MWC top spot.

10. Oregon (5-1) – Ducks coming off bye week for run at Pac 10 title and Southern Cal coming up in two weeks.

11. Iowa (7-0) – Hawkeyes continue to win the close games.

12. Georgia Tech (6-1) –Ga Tech won a major test vs Virginia Tech to move up the charts.

13. Penn St (6-1) – Nittany Lions face a big test at Michigan this week.

14. BYU (6-1) – Cougars might not get tested until Texas Christian contest later this month.

15. Virginia Tech (5-2) – Tech came up short vs a fired up Georgia Tech club.

16. Oklahoma St (5-1) – Cowboys won a big game vs Missouri last week.

17. Ohio St (5-2) – Buckeyes got caught sleeping vs Purdue.

18. Pittsburgh (6-1)- Panthers won a key Big East showdown vs Rutgers and play out the schedule on their home turf.

19. Oklahoma St (5-1) – Cowboys won a key game vs Missouri that gives them a chance at the Big 12 South title.

20. Houston (5-1) – Cougars high powered offense is lighting up weak CUSA defenses weekly.

21. Utah (5-1) – Utes keep winning and have a few huge MWC games on the November agenda.

22. West Virginia (5-1) – WV is heading to critical late season Big East matchups with Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.

23. Kansas (5-1) - Jayhawks lost a heartbreaker to Colorado and face a tough stretch of Big 12 games.

24. South Carolina (5-2) – SC gave a good effort in loss to a very tough physical Alabama club.

25. Texas Tech (6-1) – Red Raiders have performed very well since their early loss to Texas.

Frank Coyle is a longtime Member of the FWAA and voter in College team and player awards - Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Thorpe, etc. He is a voter for the Super 16 College Team Polls throughout the season that will present Grantland Rice award to the national champion in January 2010. He is also a voter for Players of the Week and for the FWAA All-American teams at the conclusion of each season.

Payton & Buchanan Award Watch Lists

Photo – Walter Payton – Bears

Frank Coyle and Draft Insiders prides itself on scouting small college talent and has a long history of ranking pro prospects from the lower level as top quality starting NFL players. QBs Joe Flacco and Tony Romo are two starting NFL passers that DraftInsiders.com ranked exceptionally high after little national publicity over their college careers. Flacco was on our Senior Bowl recommended list entering his senior season while at Delaware University. He was a prospect we scouted in person at many games and practices and said he had the best arm of the Class of 2007 that included top pick Matt Ryan. Romo was our top small college prospect coming out of Eastern Illinois in the NFL Draft 2003. We ranked him as a starting NFL passer and right behind top pick Rex Grossman. Other small college pro prospects we ranked very high entering the NFL recently are cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, wideout Vincent Jackson and tight end Kevin Boss. We annually publish dozens of small college scouting reports in our annual Yearbook and again with a special section in our Update Report related to the best small college future pro players.

The latest editions of the revised Walter Payton and Buck Buchanan Award watch lists have been announced. The Payton Award, now in its 23rd year, is given to the most outstanding player in the Football Championship Subdivision. Armanti Edwards of Appalachian St is again represented on the list after winning the 2008 Payton Award. The Buchanan Award is in its 15th year and is given to the top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision.

Payton Award Watch List.
The 20 players on the updated List include:

QB Pat Devlin - Delaware University
QB Armanti Edwards - Appalachian St
RB Chris Evans - Samford
RB William Ford - South Carolina St
QB Pat Grace - Northern Iowa
QB Cameron Higgins - Weber St
WR Terrell Hudgins - Elon
RB Deji Karim - Southern Illinois
QB Bryant Lee - Southern
RB David McCarty - Albany
RB Tony Nelson - Massachusetts
QB Matt Nichols - Eastern Washington
RB Todd Pendland - McNeese St
QB Ryan Perrilloux - Jacksonville St
QB Curtis Pulley - Florida A&M
QB Dominic Randolph - Holy Cross
RB Chase Reynolds - Montana
WR Andre Roberts - Citadel
RB David Sinisi - Monmouth University
RB Trevyn Smith - Weber St

Buck Buchanan Award Watch List

DE Christian Anthony - Grambling St
DE Danny Batten - South Dakota St
DE Dane Fletcher - Montana St
Safety Charles Graves - Delaware University
DE Larry Hart - Central Arkansas
LB Brandin Jordan - Southern Illinois
DE Tim Knicky - Stephen F. Austin
DE Austen Lane - Murray St
Safety Mark LeGree - Appalachian St
DE Jeremy Maddox - Alabama A&M
Safety Jeromy Miles - Massachusetts
DE Arthur Moats - James Madison
CB Josh Morris - Weber St
LB Osayi Osunde - Villanova
CB Justin Rogers - Richmond
DE James Ruffin - Northern Iowa
DT Mychal Savage - Youngstown St
LB J.C. Sherritt - Eastern Washington
DE Adrian Tracy - William & Mary
Safety Terrell Whitehead - Norfolk St

The watch list will be revised again in early November, and again before the final ballot is announced. The original list consisted of a total of 20 candidates that were announced earlier during the summer. Voting for these awards is from a panel of FCS sports information directors, writers, broadcasters and other football experts that will be conducted after the regular season ends. Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 30 and will be invited to the 23rd annual FCS Awards banquet on Dec. 17 in Chattanooga, TN., the night before the NCAA Division I championship title game. The Walter Payton Award, the Eddie Robinson Award (top FCS Coach) and Buck Buchanan Award (top FCS Defensive Player) will be presented that night.