Courtney Roby, Indiana

(6’0”, 185 lbs.)

The University of Indiana hasn’t had a whole lot to cheer about this year, but this receiver has been a star.  He’s got decent size, is rock solid, runs great routes, and has an inane ability to find a way to make things happen after the catch.  Because he is not a very strong player, I suspect he’ll struggle to beat a jam at the line of scrimmage in the NFL, which makes the role of slot receiver ideal for him.  While not the fastest receiver out there, he’s very quick and can make plays in space.  His hands and quickness alone will get him drafted but if he can get stronger, it will help increase his role at the next level.  This year’s stats haven’t been huge for Roby, but he does play on a really bad team; which makes him the focal point of opposing defenses.  I think he could be a great compliment receiver for an NFL team if he doesn’t have to draw top coverage every play.

Roddy White, UAB

(6’2”, 210 lbs.)

White is a contrast to Roby.  Where Roby runs great routes to get open, and uses his quickness to make plays, White is a little sloppy in his route running, and leans on his frame to dominate defenders.  Where they are similar, and what will drop their draft stock, is their lack of strength.  White struggles to get off the jam at times, and even when he does you can see his concentration lapse, which inevitably results in dumb drops.  There is no doubt that White is big and fast enough to be a competent NFL WR, but he has to get his head on right every play.  In addition, rather than counting on his physical gifts, White must work on improving the little parts of his game to help him become a more complete player.  He is already a legitimate deep threat, averaging over 20 YPC this season, and starting his NFL career as a deep compliment to a great possession WR, could greatly improve a teams’ passing offense.

Vincent Jackson, Northern Colorado

(6’6”, 235 lbs.)

Jackson could end up being the biggest surprise of this upcoming draft, in terms of how far he’ll climb on draft boards.  He’s 6'6", and pushing 240lbs, and he can run.  Watching Jackson play is very entertaining, if you are entertained by watching a man completely overpower everyone who tries to defend him.  There are really no weaknesses to Jackson’s game, except obviously the level of competition.  He runs great routes, is very strong, will fight for the ball, and has very soft hands.  Playing for Northern Colorado will put questions in NFL guys’ heads, as to whether or not Jackson can dominate cornerbacks at the next level, like he did in DI-AA.  They will get their chance to find out when Jackson plays in the Senior Bowl.  Jackson has supreme confidence in his abilities and works very hard to improve himself.  One other intriguing possibility is the fact that Jackson has no problem packing on beef and does so with very little drop-off in production, which leads me to believe that the potential of him become a very good NFL TE is a definite  possibility.

Lance Moore, Toledo

(5’11”, 187 lbs.)

If you are looking for a tough possession WR, who plays hard, doesn’t drop the ball, and will on occasion take one to the house; Moore could be your guy.  He’s not the biggest kid, nor the fastest in shorts, but watching him play at the University of Toledo, two things stand out – he’s always open (meaning he works hard, runs good routes, and uses his quickness), and he catches everything that comes his way.  Toledo QB Bruce Gradkowski has really leaned on Moore this year, after losing TE Andrew Clarke to an early season injury.  How has Moore responded?  85 catches for nearly 1,150 yards and 14 TDs.

Mark Bradley, Oklahoma

(6’2”, 205 lbs.)

*Insert siren sound effect here*

This is my “super sleeper” who will end up on big boards everywhere by April.  When Mel Kiper is pimping Bradley, just remember you heard about him here first.  Up until halfway through this year, Bradley was sort of a man without a position at OU.  Brought in to be a CB in 2002, he sat out the season after a transfer.  Then, in the spring of 2003, he was moved to WR, and showed some big play ability, but just didn’t get much field time. This season, he’s really blossomed.  He’s got great size, has shown great hands and massive athleticism.  Although Bradley is still just the 4th WR on OU’s depth chart, he’s the fastest and, aside from Clayton, most explosive weapon OU has in its passing game.  What I think will get Bradley drafted higher than most expect next April is his overall athleticism.  There is really nothing he’s weak in; he just lacks experience.  This kid is going to make some big catches in the Orange Bowl, he’s going to work out great, and he’s going to get drafted high.  You heard it here, mark it down.

Throwing these names around on draft day will wow your friends and prove you to be a true "draftnik" ― so here are some Quick Hits:

Dominique Thompson, William and Mary (6'1", 190 lbs.) – Sure handed, small school prospect, needs to be pushed to see if he can hang.

Craig Bragg, UCLA (6'1", 200 lbs.) – Good size and speed, needs to be more consistent, and improve route running.

Matt Jones, Arkansas (6'5", 235 lbs.) – QB, but all around NFL gym rat: Awesome athlete who could stick at wide receiver if he runs fast.

Brandon Rideau, Kansas (6'3", 190 lbs.) – Tall, speedy target with big hands, but give the kid a sandwich…

Nehemiah Glover, Texas Tech (5'8", 181 lbs.) – Sure handed and super quick, ideal slot WR, but too small to be a one or two.