Break It Down: The NFLU Draft

This blog was written by Esteban for Canespace...

This isn't the year the 1st round streak restarts.  That will have to wait one more year, but we'll make up for lost time with multiple 1st rounders (Allen Bailey, Leonard Hankerson, Travis Benjamin, and Orlando Franklin).  At least unlike last year we won't have to wait until the end of the draft before hearing a Hurricane's name called.  Also, will have more than one guy picked this year.  Here is my predictions for the group of draft eligible Canes coming out this year (in order of where I project they go).

"Superstar" Jimmy Graham:  I have the former PF now TE going either late 2nd or early 3rd.  I just think some team will fall in love with his athleticism and hands.  His blocking right now is bad.  But he's got the size and willingness to get a lot better at it.  He'll start off being a 2nd TE combined with a blocking specialist most likely.

Jason "I have no weaknesses" Fox:  If it weren't for injuries getting the better of him by the end of the season Fox might have had a chance of restarting the 1st round streak.  He was invited to the Senior Bowl but couldn't make it because he was still rehabbing and also couldn't participate in the NFL Draft Combine.  When he finally did work out he pulled a hamstring running the 40.  With potential LTs always seeming to find their way into the end of the 1st round Fox could have slipped in if he had impressed at the Senior Bowl - and as bad as the OTs were this year at the Senior Bowl he probably would have been clearly the best of the bunch.  I still think he has a good chance of going in the 4th round, but at this point he could drop to the 5th. 

Daryl "if it moves hit it" Sharpton:  Sharpton had his best year this past season and unlike Fox was able to showcase what he can do at the Senior Bowl.  While he helped himself he didn't dispel the notion that he's a 2 down LB.  I got the feeling he goes off the board in either the 5th or 6th.

Javarris James:  He doesn't get a nickname cause he'd had one his whole time at UM and he kept getting hurt so the nickname is gone as an omen that the injuries will also be gone.  James ran just under 4.6 which from watching the last couple of seasons is about where most would expect him to run.  He helped himself in the post season with a great week of practice at the East West Shrine Game.  He was mentioned as being the creme of the crop amongst the RBs there and showed a good all around game.  To me his greatest value comes from being able to help a passing team on 3rd down.  He's a big time pass protector from the RB position while also being able to run routes and catch the ball like a receiver.  He's never going to be an every down back - unless pressed into it by multiple injuries to teammates, but he's someone who can find a role on a team and excel at it.  I see him going in the 6th round.

Dedrick Epps:  No nickname cause I couldn't think of one.  Epps is a favorite of mine and I think had he sat out this year to fully recover from the injury he sustained in practice leading up to last year's bowl game against Cal the coaches wouldn't have measured his playing time as much.  Also, it would have given time to let his speed get back to where it was pre-injury.  He ran a 4.7 at the pro day.  His entire time at UM he had clocked in the 4.5s.  And seeing that Graham clocked a 4.6 at UM and then just under that at the combine and James clocked 4.5s while at UM and at the combine and his pro day, I don't think its a case of an inflated 40 time while at UM for Epps.  Plus, if you remember his JR year against NC State he actually pulled away from DBs on his 60+ yard TE catch you could see his speed translate on the field.   As for his blocking  it improved greatly this year, especially from where it was when he first got to UM and he showed Greg Olsen like blocking abilities.  I think whatever team drafts Epps will be getting a steal since I see him going in either the 6th or 7th round.

"I smoke therefore I am" Sam Shields:  Shields has a few things that really help his chances of getting drafted.  He's got elite speed - 4.27 is what one scout told Bruce Feldman.  He's got good size for a CB - 6'1, 195.  He's willing to throw his body around and doesn't avoid contact.  And most importantly he's shown he can be a great gunner on punt coverage.  David Tyree was drafted coming out of Syracuse strictly as a special teamer and whatever else he provided would be seen as a bonus.  I think someone takes Shields with that same thought process.  I say Shields sneak into the last round of the draft and becomes a 7th round pick.

AJ Trump:  I thought Trump had a very solid year for the Canes.  He's got good enough size and good enough mobility and good enough strength.  He played well in the East West Shrine game and I think there is a chance he gets his name called in round 7.  But I'm predicting he'll end up a rookie free agent.  I do think he has a good chance making a team especially if he goes somewhere that employs a zone blocking scheme.

Tevarris Johnson:  He exceeded expectations this year by providing solid blocking and a few catches.  He's too small to continue playing TE in the pros, but he could find a role as an FB/H-Back type.  He's got enough athleticism that he could stick if he makes some tackles on kick coverage and does a good job blocking on returns.  But he's a rookie free agent all the way.

Eric Moncur:  Talk about bad luck.  He gets an injury waiver to come back for a 6th year and never gets healthy.  Like his first senior year he did well when he played, just didn't play much.  He'll be a free agent.  Hopefully he will be healthy by the time the rookie mini camps start.

Randy Phillips:  He was granted an extra year as well and got banged up, too.  At this point I don't know if he'll even be signed as a rookie free agent.  If he does get a chance if he's healthy he could win a spot since he's got better man coverage ability than most safeties coming out.  He's just injured all the time and a step slow to see things develop in front of him in zone coverage.

Joe Joseph:  He's someone who went from looking horrible, when pressed into a starting role as a sophomore, to someone who was solid to someone who wasn't that solid by the end of his senior year.  Like Randy Phillips, I'm not sure he even gets a rookie free agent deal.  He's someone that probably put too much weight on during his time at UM so what originally was a strength - his mobility - is no longer a strength.  And he never was the most physical guy.  He overachieved and I'm thankful he gave everything he could to us.

Matt Pipho:  He'll be a doctor soon.

Comments

[NativeCane]

yeppers

[canechic]

Good job Este!

[Fighting Ibis]

This is going to be a long summer.

[SOUP]

Native knocks it outta da park!

Hey Canechic, what's shakin'?

[j.w.]

argggh!

[canechic]

Crazy busy! 5 more classes after this semester so I am turning into a school and work machine!

[Aqua]

I guess this draft proves Haith recruited better football players than Coker did..

[SOUP]

DZ8...your article will be posted on Wednesday night at 7 PM. Thanks for being patient and supportive of Canespace!

GO CANES!

[DZ8]

Cool... I can post! Systems must be down! Take that... The Man.

[DZ8]

Nice Esteban

I could see Trump and... I guess just Trump making a team or at least a teams practice squad.

I don't think Moncur will ever be football healthy and even if he is he is the definition of a tweener. Too small for DE and too slow for OLB.

Randy Phillips just never showed me enough right up until the Wisconsin game. I remember commenting to myself... It's still the seniors who are letting us down on the field. I heard he was a great role model and leader in the locker room so really appreciate his service to The U. But like Glen Cook, maybe you'll be a better coach than player.

Joe Joseph might be able to sneak unto a practice squad like big Dixon did up here in DC (Dixon might've made the actual squad) once he gets some better coaching (like Dixon did w/Palermo for the Skins).

Love Tervaris. He never complained that I heard of and just kept plugging away and helping the team. He really came thru big time his senior year but I think his playing days are over.

Pipho... he'll be a good doctor. Thanks for the effort.

All the other ones you know how I feel and we'll "argue" about them later.

[DZ8]

Feels so good to be able to post at work... I better enjoy it while I can:)

[roachcane77]

Nice job Este... (love the Chris Berman style nicknames!)

It'll be interesting to see where they all end up...

[canezilla]

but we'll make up for lost time with multiple 1st rounders (Allen Bailey, Leonard Hankerson, Travis Benjamin, and Orlando Franklin).

I dont see travis benjamin leaving early!

[Playa..The Blogger Formerly Known as Rashad]

LMAO at the draft summary for Pipho!!!!!

[Playa..The Blogger Formerly Known as Rashad]

I thought Sam would get drafted in either the 6th or 7th round, but after the recent arrest, I bet he has to go the free agent route.

[Aqua]

Nice analysis Este,

If I had a choice I'd rather be a free agent and choose where I want to be than get drafted in the 6th or 7th rd and have less of a chance of making a team..

[Cat 5 Cane]

"If I had a choice, I'd rather be a free agent and choose where I want to be"... Aqua

Not bad... WaterMan or is that TurquoiseMan?... I get confused

[solarcane]

Pipho will have the longest most successful professional career out of that list.

[Cat 5 Cane]

Don't have a feel who might bail in 2011 but the lock-out is going to effect allot of people, from the vendors sell popcorn to the players children, wondering why Daddy's home in the summer.

I don't see it lasting more then a couple of weeks, but the owners seem prepared to let it extend.

[Aqua]

Waterman works, cat.

Solar, you're right, and Pip will probably handle his money better.

[4Real]

Any news on the recruiting front? Got a few blue chippers high on the Canes according to espn's top 150 watch list. Supercooper, where u at?

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

LOL, LOVE those nicknames for Sharpton and Fox. hahaha

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Pipho will have the longest most successful professional career out of that list.

Posted by: solarcane | April 05, 2010 at 10:33 PM

>>>

And the funniest piece is that he'll make the most money unless Graham becomes a monster and re-ups for $15M.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Then again, isn't Sharpton a finance major. He could go back to b-school and make moves.

[Aqua]

Duke maybe the national champs, but Butler University is the People's Champ tonight...

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Why isn't Duke the people's champ?? Butler did their best and everyone's proud of them but Duke is the most complete team in the land this year. Hat's off. That's what the game's about.

[pb]

Happy for Coach K. Stand up guy, great coach.

[Mr Troutman]

Matt Pipho: He'll be a doctor soon.

AFTER READING ALL THAT I GOT TO THE END AND STARTING LAUGHING OUT LOUD....TALK ABOUT STORY TELLING. THEN SWITCH THE SUBJECT..OH HE'LL BE A DOCTOR...LIKE NO CHANCE HE'LL MAKE IT....LOL

[CanesCanesCanes]

I, for one, am proud of Pipho. Maybe he wasn't blessed with the most physical ability, but he worked hard and did his best. It may not have been good enough on every play, but beleive me, Randy would not have put him out there if it wasn't his best option.

So, good for him. I doubt he gives the NFL a serious go. Nothing wrong with being a Cane doctor, Cane financier (Sharpton), or whatever.

I know there's a couple that loved to bash him (them) but I'm sure Randy got them to give their best.

Remember, most of these kids, even from 2001-2003 teams DO NOT end up playing football.

I support them in their future careers. I can tell you that the ones that I know are out in the business world, that you never hear about, are great men and have succesful careers.

Go Canes!

[Cat 5 Cane]

To the silent majority... Morning guy's

[Sebastian(2001U G.O.A.T.)]

Good job on the list Esteban

Sharpton might find himself going a touch higher

I know next years list was just thrown out there

I dont see LeHank going in this 1st round. IMO he might of been beter of testing the waters this year.

[bg1906]

Interesting.

http://weblogs.dailypress.com/sports/college/accblog/2010/04/more_on_techs_winter_condition.html

[Ungar]

The difference is that the Hurricanes prepare their players for a CAREER, not just for football. Matt Pipho didn't light up the football field, but he lit up his classroom, like many of these Randycanes did, and so he is moving on to Med school.

Dwayne Johnson for another example learned showmanship at UM, which led to a new career in wrestling, which then led to being a successful actor with plenty of TV time, this generation's Burt Reynolds.

Yes, I know, more Gators get on TV than Canes and Noles combined. They sure are proud of that.

The difference is that the Gators get on TV when their arrest is reported.

It's True.

[Esteban]

Sebastian - he would have had the 'one year wonder' tag if he came out this year after struggling so much his first two years.

[CanesCanesCanes]

Ungar - a lot more 'turd pics to. One from the front one from the side.

Timmy needs to pray harder.

[CanesCanesCanes]

too

[elliott]

Sam Shields will be drafted people probably in the 6th or 7th round. Way too much speed and athleticism. Who cares about his recent "harmless" so called crime that he committed. Without a doubt he has the tools to be decent in the league. Anybody remember Bruce Johnson?

[elliott]

My two cents:

By the way going from UNC last year to Duke this year. What is the best conference in basketball? ACC baby..shout out to NC we have some very good basketball players in this state. I grew up with several that could of been stars at the Div-1 LEVEL but so many failed to see the big picture and got caught up in the streets. It is just amazing all the talent in this state for basketball and most importantly the love for the game. Congrats to Duke for KEEPING the title in NC....

[Aqua]

Why isn't Duke the people's champ?? Butler did their best and everyone's proud of them but Duke is the most complete team in the land this year. Hat's off. That's what the game's about.

Posted by: Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer | April 06, 2010 at 12:03 AM

Cause it sounded like more than half the stadium was rooting for Butler.

Duke was the peoples champ back in the day, but those days are over..

[Aqua]

Also did you notice that none of the starting 5 from Duke were from NC? It probably takes a good ammount of money to recruit at the level that Duke does...

[Texascane]

Curiouser and curiouser...

http://www.examiner.com/x-24096-Texas-Tech-Red-Raiders-Examiner~y2010m4d6-Mike-Leach-helping-Texas-Tech-rival

[SOUP]

From Scout.com via The Bleacher Report:

16. Shawnbrey McNeal, SMU 5-9, 194 (Jr.)
After doing the near impossible and putting up big rushing numbers in a June Jones passing offense, he had to leave early to help take care of some family issues. While he was a Texas state champion sprinter, he timed shockingly slow (a 4.53) for a player of his size (or lack of it). He’s faster on the field with a great burst through the hole and the hands to be used in a variety of ways in the passing game. While he’s not going to be an every-down back by any means, he could find a role as a third down back.
CFN Projection: Sixth Round

17. Javarris James, Miami 6-0, 212
A good prospect who had a decent career and a strong combine, running a 4.53 while coming up with 21 reps on the bench, the problem is that he doesn’t have any special running skills. Durability has been an issue and was always nicked and dinged, and he never had to do more than carry the ball a little bit here and there; he was never a workhorse. He’s a good, tough runner who tries hard, blocks well, and won’t dog it in any way, but he has to show a spark in some way to find a regular role.
CFN Projection: Fifth Round

[francis w]

anyone notice in the DUKE / West Va game not one of the starting players were from the state the schools were in. Mastly Ny & Jersey for WV.

[Texascane]

Per Huggins' past record...wanna bet that none of the WVA players graduate...?

[Mr Troutman]

My LOF are Berry/ Ray Ray put it down 86...Peace!!!

[Aqua]

Fran, I noticed that. The Northeast got ballers. Thats why I'm still optimistic about Haith, he can get kids from that region.

[SOUP]

My LOF are Berry/ Ray Ray put it down 86...Peace!!!

Posted by: Mr Troutman | April 06, 2010 at 11:41 AM

GotchU!

[SOUP]

FROM WWW.HURRICANESPORTS.COM:

The ninth-ranked University of Miami baseball team - winners of five straight and 10 of their last 12 - will take on FAU twice this week with games in Boca Raton on Tuesday and Coral Gables on Wednesday. Tuesday night's game is slated for a 6:30 p.m. first pitch at the FAU Baseball Stadium.

The Hurricanes improved to 20-7 overall and 10-2 in ACC play this past weekend with a series sweep over Wake Forest at Alex Rodriguez Park. The series win marked Miami's fourth straight against an ACC opponent to open league play. The 10-2 conference start is the second-best since the `Canes joined the ACC, as the 2008 Hurricanes started 11-1 in their first 12 before going on to win the ACC Championship and advance to Omaha.

The games this week will mark the second and third meetings between Miami and FAU this year, after the `Canes beat the Owls, 12-5, last Wednesday in Coral Gables.

[SOUP]

AFTER FAU
Miami will hit the road for the third time in four weekends when the `Canes make their northernmost trip of the year to play Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., April 9-11. Game one of the three game series at English Field is slated for 5:30 p.m. Friday night.

MIAMI ENTERS TOP 10
After winning all four games last week - including the series sweep over Wake Forest - the Hurricanes moved into Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's Top 10 on Monday, moving up to No. 9 in its poll. The Hurricanes were last ranked in the Top 10 by one of the major polls the week of April 13-19 last season.

[raizecane]

So whats the word on the injury front? Everybody healing nicely??