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

Penn St. Defender Aaron Maybin -
Fastest Rising Prospect in This Year's Class

Photo - Aaron Maybin - Penn St.

This year's NFL Draft class features several blue chip underclassmen who have moved up the charts quickly off a strong finish to their short careers. Aaron Maybin is probably the fastest rising prospect at this point prior to the NFL Combine.
Aaron Maybin earned first team All-Big Ten honors after developing into one of the college football's most feared pass rushers and playmakers over the 2008 season. He ranked fourth in the nation with 12 sacks and added 19 TFL after a limited 2007 season when he totaled just 12 tackles, with 4.5 TFL and 4 sacks. He has jumped up the charts off the big '08 performance that probably guarantees him a first round grade and possibly a top 20 selection at this point.

We were interviewed by Nate Bauer of Blue White Illustrated
Here is the full interview

By Nate Bauer of Blue White Illustrated

Penn State head coach Joe Paterno has had 234 of his players selected in the NFL Draft during his 43 year tenure - the most recent being linebacker Dan Connor and cornerback Justin King in 2008. This year, that number is sure to increase as a host of Nittany Lions become eligible to have their names called in late-April.
Two early-entrants - defensive ends Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans - join nine graduated seniors - wide receivers Derrick Williams, Deon Butler, and Jordan Norwood, offensive linemen A.Q. Shipley, Rich Ohrnberger and Gerald Cadogan, and defensive backs Anthony Scirrotto, Tony Davis, and Lydell Sargeant - as players that could all find themselves in NFL camps this spring, whether it's through the Draft or free agency.

Maybin is likely to be the first Lion drafted this year.
To get a better idea of where some of the Lions might wind up, BWI spoke with Frank Coyle, a nationally-recognized pro football scout and publisher of Draft Insiders' Digest and DraftInsiders.com, who is in his 18th year of extensive NFL Draft and free agency evaluation.

According to Coyle, the highest chosen among the group is likely to be the All-America defensive end, Aaron Maybin.

"Obviously he's a hot prospect off of a big '08," Coyle said. "(He's) the classic tweener. It's going to be interesting what he weighs in at the combine but it's under 250, I would say the mid 240s is probable. That's been a month ago. Has he put 10-15 pounds of muscle on? I don't think he can play down in the NFL. Not at this point. So, he's gotta play up in the 50 defense and be the attack linebacker.

"You're looking at a guy with one year of production making a defensive scheme system - even though his production was really good - he brings the hot commodity. If you can score touchdowns or sack quarterbacks, you're hot and that's what's going on here."

While Coyle doesn't have Maybin rated as high as some other national NFL Draft analysts and experts, he does think that the first-team All-Big Ten selection could be a first round pick. In Coyle's most recent mock draft posted on DraftInsiders.com, Maybin checks in with the 25th pick to Miami.

"He could certainly be a first round pick. I've seen lesser become first round picks," he said. "(Teams) start filling in the blanks and seeing him in the 50 defense and can he get double-digit sacks, this that and the other thing.

"Boy, but it's not without risk. There's a scheme adjustment here. There's a limited bio from college. Granted, it was very productive in a short period of time at a high level. But, he's got the burst off the edge. He's got that speed and... you only need one team to like you.

"I gotta see the combine before I give him a first round grade. I mean, some people have gone overboard here. They're saying top ten... I mean, top ten, I want a guy that I think can go to the Hall of Fame."

Although Coyle said that Maybin's choice to enter the draft with his small frame and such limited experience surprised him, he noted that the Bednarik Award finalist has tremendous upside potential.

With players like James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley making their marks as linebackers for the PIttsburgh Steelers' 3-4 defensive alignment, Coyle suggested that teams could envision Maybin as the next difference maker in that type of defense.

Admittedly, Maybin's performance at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis in March will be huge, but for teams looking for pass rushers (of which there are typically many), Maybin might just be the answer.

QB Sanchez & WR Harvin Enter NFL Draft
Updated 12 pm - 1/16/09

Photo - RB Shonn Greene - Iowa

Players have an additional three days to decide to either declare or change their minds with the Monday Jan. 18th date final for their decision

The deadline for college underclassmen came Thursday to file paperwork to be considered for the NFL Draft 2009. Big names QB Mark Sanchez of Southern Cal and wideout Percy Harvin of Florida declared for the player selection poo. At this point 40+ juniors and sophomores have entered the player selection process with several important announcements slow to be reported. Key players like underclassmen runner C.J. Spiller of Clemson, DEs Greg Hardy of Ole Miss and LB Brandon Spikes of Florida have decided to return for their final college season. QBs Tim Tebow of the national champion Florida Gators and Sam Bradford of Oklahoma have decided to return to school for his final season and seize an opportunity to win a 2nd Heisman Trophy. Both have an opportunity to rewrite the college record books during the 2009 season. QB Matt Stafford of Georgia did declare to turn pro and has a chance to become the top overall selection in April with a strong postseason. Teammate runner Knowshon Moreno also declared last week and has a chance to be the first back off the board in the first round. This year's class of underclassmen should set a new record for numbers by the close of the week. With the rookie salary cap most likely changing significantly to the downnside and being reduced for the 2010 season, this week should see record number of third year players entering the pro ranks.

Draft Insiders' will have an extensive Underclassmen report in the January Newsletter available early next week.

Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2009
As of Jan. 16

Players from small college programs will be updated when reported.

QB Mark Sanchez - Southern Cal
QB Matthew Stafford - Georgia
QB Josh Freeman - Kansas St
QB Nate Davis - Ball St.
RB Knowshon Moreno - Georgia
RB Shonn Greene - Iowa
RB Donald Brown - UConn
RB Chris Wells - Ohio St
RB P.J. Hill - Wisconsin
RB Glen Coffee - Alabama
RB LeSean McCoy - Pittsburgh
RB Brandon Mason - Stony Brook
WR Percy Harvin - Florida
WR Michael Crabtree - Texas Tech
WR Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
WR Kenny Britt - Rutgers
WR Hakeem Nicks - North Carolina
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey - Maryland
WR Austin Collie - BYU
WR Kevin Ogletree - Virginia
WR Jeremy Childs - Boise St
WR Brandon LaFell - LSU
WR Brian Hartline - Ohio St
TE Jared Cook - South Carolina
TE James Casey - Rice
TE Andrew Davie - Arkansas
TE Richard Quinn - North Carolina
OT Andre Smith - Alabama
OT Eben Britton - Arizona
OG Greg Isdaner - West Virginia

Underclassmen Update for the NFL Draft 2009

Photo - QB Matt Stafford - Georgia

The declaration date for underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2009 is Jan. 15th. Players have an additional three days again to decide to either declare or change their minds with the Jan. 18th date final for underclassmen. QB Tim Tebow of the national champion Florida Gators has decided to return to school for his final season and seize an opportunity to win a third national championship and a 2nd Heisman Trophy. He has an opportunity to rewrite the college record books during the 2009 season. QB Matt Stafford of Georgia did declare to turn pro and has a chance to become the top overall selection in April with a strong postseason. He heads a class of over 30+ underclassmen already declared entering the final week of the process. This year's class of underclassmen should set a new record for numbers by the close of the week. With the rookie salary cap most likely changing significantly to the downnside and being reduced for the 2010 season, this week should see record number of third year players entering the pro ranks. Draft Insiders' will have an extensive Underclassmen report in the January Newsletter available later this month.

Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2009
As of Jan. 14

QB Mark Sanchez - Southern Cal
QB Matthew Stafford - Georgia
QB Josh Freeman - Kansas St
QB Nate Davis - Ball St.
RB Knowshon Moreno - Georgia
RB Shonn Greene - Iowa
RB Donald Brown - UConn
RB Chris Wells - Ohio St
RB P.J. Hill - Wisconsin
RB Glen Coffee - Alabama
RB LeSean McCoy - Pittsburgh
RB Brandon Mason - Stony Brook
WR Michael Crabtree - Texas Tech
WR Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
WR Kenny Britt - Rutgers
WR Hakeem Nicks - North Carolina
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey - Maryland
WR Austin Collie - BYU
WR Kevin Ogletree - Virginia
WR Jeremy Childs - Boise St
WR Brandon LaFell - LSU
WR Brian Hartline - Ohio St
TE Jared Cook - South Carolina
TE James Casey - Rice
TE Andrew Davie - Arkansas
OT Andre Smith - Alabama
OT Eben Britton - Arizona
OG Greg Isdaner - West Virginia

NFL Safety Prospect - C.J. Spillman

Photo - Safety C.J. Spillman - Marshall

Marshall University's C.J. Spillman has accepted an invitation to play in the 84th Annual East-West Shrine Game, scheduled for Jan. 17, at the University of Houston. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. (ET) and the game will be televised by ESPN2.
Spillman has been a standout free safety that earned him a 2008 and 2007 second-team All-Conference USA selection for the Thundering Herd. The Louisville (Ky.) native finished his collegiate career with 319 career tackles and three interceptions in 46 games. Last season he was credited with 71 total tackles and four pass breakups in 11 contests.
Player Report- He is an athletic safety with the toughness to play In the Box and make tackles with the speed and agility to match up in coverage. He is a free safety prospect with adequate size and good instincts, speed and overall athleticism. He is fluid in coverage with a sound backpedal and quick feet to mirror receivers and the flexible hips to retain his fine speed in short areas and matchup in man coverage. He can make a play with the ball in the air and with the ability to hit receivers and separate them from the pass. In run support, he fills the hole quickly and instinctively with the sure tackling to finish the play. He plays off blockers well and forces the play inside. He is a sound tackler who can deliver a big hit and force a turnover. At times, his play lacks discipline and he can be vulnerable in the deep game. He shows the ability to be a tough gunner on special teams where his size, speed and toughness should allow him to contribute immediately in that role in his pro game. Currently, he projects as a middle round selection with critical tests at the East-West Shire game and NFL Combine in February that could move him up the rankings quickly with strong performances.

Frank Coyle has been a scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl All-star game for the past 15 years, in addition to annually consulting other All-Star classics.

Lions Win Top Pick in NFL Draft 2009

The Detroit Lions hold the first overall selection in the NFL Draft 2009 after completing the first winless 16 game full schedule season in league history. The Lions reached a new level of ineptitude this fall, losing every game that matched only the Tampa Bay Bucs 0-14 season from the 1970s as winless pro clubs. The Lions deserve the top overall pick after a disastrous 2008 season and a decade of horrible NFL Draft classes that have left the team devoid of talent and little leadership. GM Matt Millen was fired this fall at midseason after a difficult seven year reign as the Lions personnel leader. Head coach Rod Marinelli was dismissed just one day after the perfect losing 2008 season completing three frustrating seasons.
The Lions' saving grace is that they not only hold the first overall selection in the NFL Draft 2009 but also the Cowboys #1 pick plus middle round choices from the trade that sent wideout Roy Williams to Dallas prior to the fall 2008 trading deadline. The incredible turnarounds in Miami and Atlanta give the Detroit franchise hope to quickly return to a competitive level with a strong NFL 2009 postseason.

First Round NFL Draft 2009 Selection Order
x - indicates draft position will change due to NFL playoff results

#/ Team / W-L / % Schedule Strength
1 Detroit - 0-16 - .559
2 St. Louis - 2-14 - .533
3 Kansas City - 2-14 - .537
4 Seattle - 4-12 - .498
5 Cleveland - 4-12 - .572
6 Cincinnati - 4-11-1 - .553
7 Oakland - 5-11 - .520
8 Jacksonville - 5-11 - .537
9 Green Bay - 6-10 - .504
10 San Francisco - 7-9 - .453
11 Buffalo - 7-9 - .453
12 Denver - 8-8 - .457
13 Washington - 8-8 - .479
14 New Orleans - 8-8 - .496
15 Houston - 8-8 - .518
x 16 San Diego - 8-8 - .516
x 17 New York Jets - 9-7 - .471
x 18 Chicago - 9-7 - .475
x 19 Tampa Bay - 9-7 - .480
x 20 Detroit (Dallas) - 9-7 - .498
x 21 Arizona - 9-7 - .486
x 22 Philadelphia - 9-6-1 - .514
x 23 Minnesota - 10-6 - .504
x 24 New England - 11-5 - .480
x 25 Atlanta - 11-5 - .459
x 26 Miami - 11-5 - .461
x 27 Baltimore - 11-5 - .521
x 28 Philadelphia (Carolina) - 12-4 - .488
x 29 Indianapolis - 12-4 - .498
x 30 New York Giants - 12-4 - .502
x 31 Pittsburgh - 12-4 - .525
x 32 Tennessee - 13-3 - .459

NFL Prospect - Peria Jerry Heads Tackle Class

Photo - Peria Jerry #98 - 6'3" 300 lbs.- Mississippi
Senior Bowl and NFL Combine Invite - Pro Prospect for NFL Draft '09

Explosive quick senior tackle has responded with a huge final season displaying dominant ability in the tough SEC. Peria is an active powerful three-technique tackle who has been one of the nation's top defenders this fall as a cornerstone defender for the underrated Ole Miss club. He combines fine triangle numbers with excellent football production and instincts. He has good mobility, physical skills and toughness with adequate girth for the inside position. He is very quick off the ball and is able to get consistent penetrate to force the QB to move in the pocket and rush his decisions. He pushes the pocket well and has the ability to chases down plays outside the hashes. He shows strong hands and uses them well to keep blockers off his body with the ability to separate consistently to pursue the action. He can struggle at the point of attack against the run especially when double teamed. He can also play too high vs the run that leaves him exposed to blocks and makes it difficult to separate from blockers and pursue the play. He can lose leverage when playing high that leaves him vulnerable to blocks. Quick three technique tackle with high level of competition and experience and a prospect that is ideal for the 4-3 front especially the Colts and Bucs. One of the fastest rising defenders in the nation with the skills and production to secure a first round grade with a strong performance over the postseason.

Frank Coyle is a scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl over the past 12 years.

First Round Mock Draft
October 30, 2008 * underclassmen

Photo - LB Aaron Curry - Wake Forest

1. Cincinnati - Michael Oher - OT - Mississippi
2. Detroit - * Matthew Stafford - QB - Georgia
3. Kansas City - * Michael Crabtree - WR - Texas Tech
4. San Francisco - Malcolm Jenkins CB - Ohio St.
5. St. Louis - James Laurinaitis LB - Ohio St
6. Seattle - Michael Johnson - DE - Georgia Tech
7. Oakland - * Jeremy Maclin WR - Missouri
8. San Diego - Clint Sintim - LB - Virginia
9. Miami - * Tim Tebow - QB - Florida
10. Minnesota - * Vontae Davis - CB - Illinois
11. Houston - Aaron Curry - LB - Wake Forest
12. New Orleans - Rey Maualuga - LB - Southern Cal
13. Cleveland - * Chris Wells - RB - Ohio St
14. Jacksonville - * George Selvie - DE - South Florida
15. NY Jets - * Taylor Mays - FS - Southern Cal
16. Arizona - * Knowshon Moreno - RB - Georgia
17. Philadelphia - * Andre Smith - OT - Alabama
18. Denver - Alex Mack - OC - California
19. Atlanta - Eugene Monroe - OT - Virginia
20. Chicago - Brian Orakpo, - DE - Texas
21. Washington - Tyson Jackson - DE - LSU
22. Baltimore - William Moore - FS - Missouri
23. Indianapolis - * Greg Middleton - DE - Indiana
24. Carolina - * Ricky Jean-Francois - DT - LSU
25. Tampa Bay - * Percy Harvin - WR - Florida
26. Green Bay - * Jermaine Gresham - TE - Oklahoma
27. Detroit (Dallas) - Alphonso Smith - CB - Wake Forest
28. New England - Brian Cushing - LB - Southern Cal
29. Buffalo - * Myron Rolle - SS - Florida St
30. Pittsburgh - Duke Robinson - OG - Oklahoma
31. New York Giants - * Darrius Heyward-Bey - WR - Maryland
32. Tennessee - * Greg Hardy - DE - Mississippi

Frank Coyle has been a consultant for the Senior Bowl All-Star game in Mobile, Alabama for over the past 12 years with a nation wide exposure to NFL prospects with an emphasis on pro player talent. He has also assisted other All-Star games with player evaluation and recommendations.