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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.

NFL Draft 2010 Prospects - Week 3 Performances

Photo - WR Brandon LaFell - LSU

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

DE Carlos Dunlap - 6’5” 290 lbs. - Florida
Huge athletic edge rusher has displayed impact ability over his SEC career and had a strong effort in the Gators win vs Tennessee. He makes big plays off the edge, relying on a quick first step and technique to separate from blockers and the power to overwhelm blockers. He has the upfield speed to pressure the QB with the wingspan and frame to incredibly grow further to become a dominant every down pro defender. His ability to apply pressure off the edge has drawn rave notice from scouts and he will be watched closely over his junior season.

WR Brandon LaFell - 6’3” 210 lbs. - LSU
Smooth senior receiver has been instrumental in the Tigers offense this season. He is a highly rated prospect who flashed impact ability at times earlier in his career, but also periods of inconsistency that included mistakes and injuries. He combines good size, speed, agility and hands along with his fine level of development that makes him valuable for the pro game. He displays a well developed skill set for the position that has allowed him to get a strong start to his final season. He earned his third multi-TD game on LSU's first drive of the 2nd half, catching a 20-yard pass from Jefferson. He could be one of the top senior playmakers in this overall draft class with a consistent final effort.

LB Micah Johnson - 6’1” 250 lbs. - Kentucky
Aggressive senior defender has been a dominant performer over his SEC career. He has the quick first step and power to gain a fast advantage to defeat blocking angles. He has shown the talent to make big plays with the upfield speed to get after the QB and go sideline to sideline. His ability to run well at over 250 lbs. allows him to be an every down defender and capable of playing in either pro scheme. He was instrumental in the Wildcats big win over Louisville last week, making several key stops and providing leadership to the defense.

LB Donald Butler - 6’1” 235 lbs. - Washington
Mobile defender has started since midway of his sophomore season seeing time both inside and outside in the Huskies scheme. He has an impact performance vs Southern Cal last week when he made a game-high 12 tackles, forced a fumble and picked off a pass in the Huskies' 16-13 stunning upset of 3rd-ranked Southern Cal, their 1st victory over a ranked opponent since 2003. He is an instinctive backer who flows to the ball well with speed and finishes with sure strong tackling. He moved up the scouting charts after this impressive performance.

CB Trevard Lindley - 5’11” 185 lbs. - Kentucky
Quick athletic senior corner combines top cover and ball skills to rank among the best secondary defenders this season. He has quick reactions with the fluid hips to break easily on the ball, retain top speed and make plays on the ball. He ranks with any cover man in the nation this year with the talent to shutdown #1 receivers in man situations. He has fine athletic ability including quick reactions with fine ball skills and the ability to plant and break quickly to the ball. He has good speed to match up in the deep game, showing the ability to blanket the game’s best receivers in man coverage. He has shown improvement in run support and play recognition in general.

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

QB Tim Tebow, Senior, Florida - The Gators’ star had a workmanlike performance in Florida’s 23-13 win over Tennessee. Tebow completed 14 passes in 19 attempts (74%) for 115 yards (6 yards per attempt) and committed 2 turnovers (1 interception and 1 fumble). He also ran the ball frequently (24 carries for 76 yards (3.2 per) and scored once. Tebow did not get the ball downfield and looked easy to sack when he stayed in the pocket. Overall, questions still persist about his ability to play quarterback at the next level. Can he get rid of the ball quickly enough and down field with accuracy to be effective in the NFL? Tim Tebow will be one of the more heavily debated prospects in the 2010 NFL Draft.

S Eric Berry, Junior, Tennessee - Berry had a terrific game against Florida in Tennessee’s 23-13 defeat. It was easy to see why he is so highly regarded. Berry made a diving interception and was a force defending the run with 11 tackles (including 2 tackles for loss). He displayed excellent range and a physical presence. He could very well be the 1st safety selected, if he chooses to enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

QB Max Hall, Senior, BYU - The Cougars’ signal caller had a disappointing game in BYU’s 54-28 blowout loss to Florida State. The speed and athleticism of the Seminoles’ defense caused problems for Hall. He finished 20 of 31 (65%) for 306 yards (9.9 per) with 2 touchdown passes and 3 interceptions. Florida State led 44-14 in the 3rd quarter when Hall completed a meaningless 80-yard touchdown pass. Hall’s lack of size and arm strength was evident in this game.

RB Jahvid Best, Junior, Cal - The talented running back tied a school record with 5 rushing touchdowns. Best led Cal to a 35-21 road victory at Minnesota. He finished the game with 131 yards rushing on 26 carries (5 yards per) and caught 3 passes for 17 yards. Best ran effectively inside and of course, outside with his outstanding speed and quickness. The biggest question talent evaluators will have to decide is whether Best will be effective running between the tackles in the NFL. This will decide whether he is another Chris Johnson or a Reggie Bush. The Cal running back has looked comfortable running inside this year. The Heisman Trophy candidate is a true junior, but with 3 seasons under his belt and the demands of his position, he could decide to enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

QB Jimmy Clausen, Junior, Notre Dame - Clausen hit Golden Tate with a 33-yard touchdown pass late in the 4th quarter to lift Notre Dame to a 33-30 win over Michigan State. The Notre Dame quarterback battled through a right foot injury and finished 22 of 31 (71%) for 300 yards (9.7 per) with 2 touchdown passes and 1 interception. It was a big win for Notre Dame after the disappointing loss to Michigan. Clausen showed determination, poise and the ability to accurately throw a wide variety of passes in the victory. He may choose to stick around for another year, but he clearly is playing the best ball of his collegiate career.

Pro Prospect NFL Draft 2010 – Draft Insiders Preview Available Now

Pro Prospect Eric Norwood - South Carolina

Pro Prospect NFL Draft – Draft Insiders' Preview - Special Offer for Full Subscription Available Now - Order Today

Photo - DE Eric Norwood - South Carolina

Defender Eric Norwood of South Carolina is one of the highly regarded senior prospects for the NFL Draft 2010. He is off to a great start with several dominant performances that has commanded double teaming in most key situations. He has helped SC to a 2-1 record while registering 4 sacks and 4 tackles for losses despite special attention by offenses often. Currently, he is on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List and will probably be added to all the front seven defensive award lists over the next few months. He was our on first pro prospect list for the Senior Bowl committee this month.

Pro Prospect NFL Draft – Draft Insiders' Preview Scouting Report
Eric Norwood - 6’ 265 lbs. - South Carolina
Aggressive senior edge defender opened the season with a huge performance vs N.C. St. As a junior, he had a strong performance especially as a pass rusher. He combines quickness, instincts and toughness to battle through blockers and make the big play. His relentless approach earned him many tackles on sheer toughness and guile. His production this fall and the postseason will determine how high he will be selected in the NFL Draft 2010. He was a first-team SEC pick last fall and has impact talent to be a difference maker once again this fall.

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.

NFL Draft Prospects - Week 2

Photo - DE Jerry Hughes - TCU

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

DE Jerry Hughes - 6’3” 255 lbs. - Texas Christian
Explosive edge rusher has displayed impact ability over his MWC career and had a dominant effort vs Virginia. Hughes had a career high and team-best 11 tackles, including 2.5 TFL with 1.5 sacks in TCU opening win. He makes big plays off the edge, relying on a quick first step and technique to separate from blockers. He has the upfield speed to sack the QB with the frame to fill out further to be an every down defender. His ability to apply pressure off the edge has drawn rave reviews from scouts and he will be watched closely over his critical final season.

QB Daryll Clark - 6’2”230 lbs - Penn St.
Athletic senior QB had a fine effort in the PSU win over Syracuse. He was very accurate hitting on 70% of his throws, including 3 TDs. He has good size and arm strength with quick compact delivery and fairly good touch to make all the throws. His mobility is an added feature that scouts love in a starting QB. He looks to improve on a good effort as a junior and show further development on all the key areas for this position. He looks to take another step to land in a major All-star game this postseason.

QB Dan LeFevour - 6’3” 220 lbs. – Central Michigan
Savvy senior passer had a huge performance in the CM win over Michigan St. This came on the heels of a disappointing opening loss to Arizona. LeFevour was the key difference in the MSU win throwing for over 300 yards and 3 TDs making many clutch plays. He has a good arm and makes most of the critical throws accurately. He is fearless in the pocket, showing toughness and good decisions when under a heavy pass rush. He gets the ball down the field with fine accuracy and touch with good ball security. He continues to make fast improvement that has him ranked among the top senior passers in this class.

* RB Joe McKnight - 6’ 190 lbs. - Southern Cal
Smooth junior tailback was instrumental in the USC game winning drive vs Ohio St. He is a highly rated prospect who has flashed impact ability at times, but also periods of inconsistency that included mistakes, injuries and academic issues. He combines good size, speed, agility and hands along with his fine level of development that makes him valuable for the pro game. He displays a well developed skill set for the position to be a factor in many roles in the backfield. He could be one of the top junior playmakers in this overall draft class.

DE Lindsey Witten - 6’4” 250 lbs. - Connecticut
Explosive pass rusher has been a dominant defender over the early season. He has the quick first step to gain a fast advantage in matchups. He has shown the talent to make big plays off the edge and displays more consistency in that role. He has the upfield speed to get after the QB and has the frame to fill out further. His ability to fill out over 255 lbs. will determine his ability to be an every down pro defender. He is on every NFL teams watch list this fall.

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

S Taylor Mays, Senior, USC- the Trojans’ free safety led his team with 8 tackles in USC’s 18-15 victory over Ohio State. Mays is big, strong, fast and a ferocious hitter. However, he still has to prove that he has the top pass coverage instincts that the elite safeties possess to be a worthy high 1st round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. What makes Pittsburgh’s,Troy Polamalu, so devastating at safety is he is a ballhawk in pass coverage and like an extra linebacker in run support. Mays misread a pass play and compounded the error by taking a poor angle on Dane Sanzenbacher’s 56-yard catch and run early in the game. The big play set-up Ohio State’s 1st touchdown. Is Mays another Polamalu or a Roy Williams, the former Cowboys’ safety, who became a liability in pass coverage? PFDN will be keeping a close eye on this issue.

OT Sam Young, Senior, Notre Dame- the Irish right tackle had a solid performance in Notre Dame’s narrow 34-38 defeat to Michigan. He helped pave the way for a balanced Irish attack that gained 490 yards of total offense (154 yards on the ground (5.1 per carry) and 336 passing yards). Notre Dame quarterback, Jimmy Clausen, was not sacked and often had time to locate his receivers. Young has excellent experience as a pass protector and keeps filling out his 6’ 7” frame.

QB Jake Locker, Junior, Washington- the Huskies’ first win in almost two years was led by their athletic quarterback. Locker is taking nicely to Steve Sarkisian’s pro-style offense and Washington is putting points on the board. Locker is an exceptional athlete who can make plays with his legs and arm. He is starting to rely less on his legs and distributed the ball efficiently to 9 different receivers in Washington’s 42-23 victory over Idaho. The junior quarterback (17 of 25 (68%) for 253 passing yards and 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions against Idaho) is learning to go through his reads and deliver the ball accurately. USC presents a far tougher test, but Locker is an intriguing NFL prospect in either 2010 or 2011.

OLB Sean Lee, Senior, Penn State- Lee clearly is all the way back after tearing his acl last season in his right knee. The quick and instinctive outside linebacker was all over the field in Penn State’s easy 28-7 victory over Syracuse. Lee paced the Lions’ defense with 13 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and 1 sack. His return to health and consistently productive play has him rising up draft boards.

QB Jarrett Brown, Senior, West Virginia- Brown backed up Pat White for three years and finally is the Mountaineers’ starting quarterback. He opened some eyes in West Virginia’s 35-20 victory over East Carolina. Brown put on an impressive performance and finished the day 24 of 31 (77%) for 334 yards, 4 touchdown passes and 1 interception. He also displayed his athleticism and strength in rushing for 73 yards on 10 carries. Brown was decisive on where to throw the ball and was accurate on a couple of NFL-caliber deep balls. He has not been sacked this season and that is partly due to he is difficult to bring down with his combination of size, strength and athletic ability.

NFL Draft 2010 Prospects - Week 1 Play

DraftInsiders.com and ProFootballDraftNetwork.comwill 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.

Photo - TE Jermaine Gresham - Oklahoma

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

* QB Sam Bradford - 6’3” 215 lbs - Oklahoma
Athletic fourth year junior QB had an auspicious debut that ended quickly with a throwing shoulder injury. He will miss at least 2 to 4 weeks, but no surgery is necessary currently. He had an incredible early career with the Sooners that included winning the Heisman award last season. He is the prototypical NFL passer with a strong arm, quick compact delivery and good touch and accuracy to make all the throws. This puts his pro aspirations on the sidelines as well as his chances of repeating as the Heisman winner. He should be back for the Red River Rivalry vs Texas’s Colt McCoy in a head to head classic matchup that may determine his decision about turning pro. Teammate TE Jermaine Gresham - 6’5” 255 lbs. is an athletically gifted senior tight end who has been shelved with a knee injury that required a scope procedure on Tuesday. He was rated as the premier prospect at the position with excellent receiving skills and the speed to be a huge factor in the deep game. He will miss the entire 2009 season due to the knee surgery. He will be missed by QB Sam Bradford after forming one of the games’ most potent tandems last season.

QB Tony Pike - 6’5” 215 lbs. - Cincinnati
Classic tall pocket passer is coming off a strong opening game where he blitzed a shocked Rutgers defense. This came on top of an impressive finish as a junior that has him ranked among the nation’s top passers. He makes all the throws and stands tall in the pocket, showing no fear when under a heavy pass rush. He gets the ball down the field with fine accuracy and velocity to pressure a defense. His fast improvement over his late career has him on every NFL club’s radar and one of the most improved prospects over recent seasons.

WR Mardy Gilyard - 6’1” 180 lbs. - Cincinnati
Smooth senior receiver combines good size, speed, agility and hands along with his fine level of development that makes him ready for the pro game. He had a strong opening game, displaying his well developed skill set for the position. His fine athletic ability allows him to be a factor as both a deep threat and intermediate receiver. His game is highly developed and ranks him at the top of senior receivers. He could be one of the top playmakers in this overall draft class.

* WR Mike Williams - 6’1” 205 lbs. - Syracuse
Athletic junior receiver returned to the field after missing the 2008 season due to academic issues. He had a strong opening game vs Minnesota where he showed the ability to get deep and hit the home run, in addition to working the intermediate routes. He combines fine size, hands and elite speed to be a legitimate NFL starter. He needs development in most areas for the position especially route running and reading coverage. He is just starting to develop at this point of his career and has begun to learn to use his fine size and speed to the fullest.

DE Greg Hardy - 6’4” 265 lbs. - Mississippi
Explosive pass rusher has shown dominant skills at times over his short SEC career. He has struggled with injuries over recent seasons and actually sustained more heel and leg injuries in the 2009 opener. Though he is capable of making big plays off the edge and displays consistency in that role when right, his repeated injury history will draw heavy scrutiny this season. He has the upfield speed to harass the QB and has the frame to fill out further. His ability to stay on the field and play every down will be watched closely over the critical ’09 season.

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

QB “Juice” Williams, Senior, Illinois - The four-year starter at quarterback is looking for a big senior season to turn around a disappointing 2008 season for Illinois. Williams and the entire Illinois team did not play well in a lopsided 37-9 loss to a rebuilding Missouri. The dual-threat quarterback rushed for only 27 yards, was sacked 3 times and completed 18 passes in 28 attempts for only 179 yards with 1 interception. Williams and the offense appeared out of sync. The Illinois offensive leader has much to prove to NFL scouts regarding his consistency, accuracy and timing as a quarterback.

LB Eric Norwood, Senior, South Carolina - Norwood changed his mind at the last minute and decided not to enter the 2009 NFL Draft. If he keeps playing like he did against North Carolina State then he certainly will raise his draft stock. Norwood led the Gamecocks in a dominating defensive performance in a 7-3 win over the Wolfpack. The senior leader had 8 tackles and a pair of sacks. Norwood got off of blocks quickly and located the football all game.

LT Trent Williams, Senior, Oklahoma - The Sooners moved the massive Williams to the left side after playing right tackle last season. Williams made some poor decisions when faced with blitzes and BYU was able to unexpectedly put pressure on QB Sam Bradford. Oklahoma will have to clean up the communication problems along the offensive line. Williams and his offensive linemates also did not open up many holes for the running attack. Oklahoma rushed for only 118 yards in BYU’s 14-13 upset victory.

WR Eric Decker, Senior, Minnesota - Decker did what he does best, which is run good routes and catch the football. The Golden Gophers’ main pass receiving threat caught 9 passes for 183 yards (20.3 per) in Minnesota’s 23-20 overtime victory over Syracuse.

TE Cody Slate, Senior, Marshall - Slate had another highly productive game (9 receptions for 114 yards (12.6 per) and 2 touchdowns) in Marshall’s 31-28 opening game victory over a game Southern Illinois. Slate ran the slant well against Southern Illinois and came through when Marshall needed a play.

Hudgins’ Earns Preseason Payton Award & FCS All American Nominations

Photo – WR Terrell Hudgins – Elon

Elon University’s senior wide receiver Terrell Hudgins was named to both the preseason Walter Payton watch list and first team FCS All-American player list. Hudgins is a senior from Rocky Mount, N.C. and a legitimate pro prospect for the NF Draft 2010 As a junior last season, he hauled in 86 receptions for 1,116 yards and 10 TDs on his way to receiving 1st Team All-Southern Conference accolades from the league's coaches for the 2nd consecutive season. He was chosen as a 2nd Team All-SoCon honoree as a redshirt freshman by the conference coaches in 2006. Hudgins became the Elon and SoCon all-time career leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions in 2008. Hudgins has been named to the watch list for the Walter Payton Award and was named a preseason All-American selection by Draft Insiders.

Player of the Year Walter Payton Award Watch List

A total of 20 candidates for the Walter Payton Award were announced in alphabetical order earlier this preseason, with four candidates being released each week. The watch list will be revised in October and again in November before the final ballot is announced. Voting from a panel of FCS sports information directors, writers, broadcasters and other football experts will be conducted after the regular season ends. Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 30 and will be invited to the 23rd Annual Awards banquet, Dec. 17 in Chattanooga, Tn. the night before the NCAA Division I Championship Game. The Eddie Robinson Award (top FCS Coach), Buck Buchanan Award and Walter Payton Award will be presented that evening.

Payton Award Watch List

Armanti Edwards, Appalachian St
Chris Evans, Samford;
William Ford, South Carolina St
Pat Grace, Northern Iowa
Cameron Higgins, Weber St
Terrell Hudgins, Elon

2009 Ted Hendricks Defensive End Award Watch List

DE Jerry Hughes – Texas Christian

TCU consensus All-American Jerry Hughes has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2009 Ted Hendricks Award, presented to the nation's top defensive end. Hughes was a finalist for the 2008 Ted Hendricks Award and was also one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, recognizing the nation's best defensive player.
Draft Insiders.com ranks Hughes as the No. 3 defensive end available for the 2010 NFL Draft. Hughes also appears on watch lists for the Rotary Lombardi Award and Lott Trophy. Hughes led the nation in 2008 with 15 sacks and six forced fumbles. The 6’3” 257lb. senior from Sugar Land, Tx., also ranked in the top 10 in tackles for loss (19.5) and fumble recoveries (three). He added two interceptions, including one returned for a TD.

The Ted Hendricks Award is named in honor of college football¹s first three-time first-team All-American. After his standout career at Miami (Fl.), Hendricks played 15 years in the National Football League. He earned selection to both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame. Now in its eighth season, the Ted Hendricks Award is named in honor of college football's first three-time first-team All-American. As a defensive end at the University of Miami, he used his agility, height and reach to block passes and kicks, force interceptions and pressure quarterbacks and running backs. He roamed the front line, read plays and blitzed on impulse, completely transforming the way the defensive end position was played. His professional career spanned 15 years and 215 consecutive games. It included four Super Bowl victories, eight Pro Bowl selections and inductions into the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. It is in the spirit of Ted Hendricks' aggressive style of play, winning attitude and determination that the Defensive End of the Year Award for college football's premier defensive end is presented.

NFL Draft Goes Primetime for Three Days

Taylor Mays - Safety - Southern Cal

The NFL announced that the 2010 NFL Draft will be held over three days starting on Thursday April 22nd. The opening round will be during primetime on Thursday evening beginning at 7:30 pm est. The NFL Draft will continue with the second and third rounds held on the Friday night beginning at 6:30 pm est while the remaining rounds, 4 through 7 held on Saturday starting at 10 am est. The three day event will be held at Radio City in New York City and carried by both ESPN and the NFL Network.