DRAFT JOURNAL #3: BO SMITH

My freshman year at Kentucky, there were a couple seniors ahead of me and I had to work hard to get a spot because I was the young buck. I thought I was one of the top corners coming in but I couldn't beat the seniors out so we just rotated in at times. My sophomore year I started after I beat one of the seniors out and I had a good year. I had two interceptions and I believe I blocked two punts. I had to take the 2004 season off and when I came back the next spring, I thought I would be off some because of the long layoff, but it only took me two days to get back into it. It was crazy. It was like shocking to me. So I got my starting job back in two days, which was a miracle to me and a dream come true. I had only one touchdown pass caught on me that season by Sidney Rice of South Carolina. I had two interceptions, and a field goal block return of 75 yards against Vanderbilt. I was named the Defensive MVP for Kentucky that season. Then I transferred to Weber State.

The only reason I chose Weber State was because of Coach Mac (Ron McBride). I didn't want to go to a school where nobody knew me. But he knew how I could play so I thought I might be able to come here and play right away.

And when I got here, it was like something I'd never seen before. I mean there were like mountains and I was thinking, "Wow, what did I get myself into?" Being from Kentucky, I hadn't seen anything like that in my life. And the air is real thin.

When I first ran here, I almost died. I was like, "What is wrong with my chest?" And nobody had told me about it so when I ran I kept wondering what was wrong. So they said I had to get used to the air here, and I said okay. But it took me forever to get in shape. Like almost the whole season.

But the people here are real nice. They're real talkative. They just come up and talk to you. And they're real polite people.

My first game for Weber State, I was really tired. I did real well and nobody scored on me. And I was like, "Coach give me one break." But coach wouldn't take me out of the game. They would not take me out of the game. They wouldn't let me take a break. I never got a break ever. But I got accustomed to the thin air and I had a good season. Nobody scored on me all year, I had two picks. And teams started throwing away from me. Every game I covered the best receiver but no one had a lot of catches on me.

And it is a big difference coming from the SEC, which is a lot faster. When I first got here and practiced against the wide receivers on my team, it was different. It was easier for me to press and play man to man. There are some fast wide receivers in the Big Sky Conference but not like the SEC. But the big thing is that I had a good season.

I got invited to the NFL Combine and it can be crazy there. You get there, then get your room and the first thing you do is go for medical testing. It's like we're animals. They're trying to find the best animals. We had to go to like five different doctors, but they were all checking the same thing. They just lay us on tables and five doctors would be poking us and stuff. And then we would have to do more testing like x-rays, MRI's and blood tests and stuff. They had a little waiting room with video games there so that was pretty cool.

And you get to meet the top players in the nation during all of it. You get to see how they talk and act and all that. Everybody was very cool there. Just like normal people talking to you.

Then we had meetings with the teams. I had to meet with about 30 teams there.

They pretty much ask you the same thing over and over again. You get done with one team and there is another team right behind them. They ask you questions about everything but I was just honest and told them the truth. People make mistakes and I'm not a bad person. I thought I'd never be able to play football again and that put me down a bit.

As far as the workouts went. I think I could have done better on the bench. I think I just got nervous. You are nervous because everybody is looking at you. I did bench around 14 times, which isn't bad for a corner. I wasn't really happy with my 40 at the Combine. They had two lines and you have to put one hand on one line and a foot on the other line. So I didn't have much lean and could have run my 40 faster. I could run a 4.3 but I ran a 4.44 so that was pretty good. Then I hurt my hamstring and couldn't do any more drills or jumps.

So on my Pro Day, I was focusing on my shuttles. I did a 4.2 in the short shuttle. had a 36 1/2 vertical, 11 flat in the 60 yard shuttle and a 6.7 in the 3-cone drill. I didn't do very well in the broad jump; I only had a 9' 7".

I think maybe they put too much emphasis on the workouts and drills. It's not what you can do in a drill, it's what you can do on the football field. At least, that is what I think. I can do the drills no problem, but people seem to think you have to do a certain speed. Anybody can train for a specific drill and do well at it.

My strength is being a man coverage corner. I think I can cover anybody to tell you the truth. And I don't like to lose so I am a competitive guy. I am going to do anything to help us win. I can tackle and can come up and support the run. I can read the drops and I know what receivers do becasuse I watch film. Because I am a man-to-man corner I have to watch plenty of film on the player I'll be guarding.

I think playing off in man coverage will be the biggest adjustment for me at the next level. I can play zone, I can play cover 2 or cover 3. I can play off but I think I could improve to make my overall game better.

I like working with people so if I didn't play football, I would want to coach football and coach gym. I know I could help out at the high school level because people have already talked to me about it.

On draft day, I will be back in Kentucky with my family just relaxing and waiting for the call. When the call comes, my mom will be the most excited. I love my mom to death and she will definitely be the most excited. To be the first one to realize my dream, she'll really be happy for me. And she'll probably cry right away.

Draft Journals are courtesy of J J Pesavento (Next Level Scouting)

* TOMORROW TIM SHAW'S (PENN ST.) DRAFT JOURNAL

THOUGHTS ON EDDIE ROBINSON

Statement from Steve Richardson, FWAA Executive Director, on the passing of Eddie Robinson, the namesake of the FWAA/Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Coach of the Year Award:

"College football has lost a great friend and coach. Eddie Robinson is an American icon. His ability to coach and lead young men will be forever remembered. Coach Robinson had a remarkable record – all at one school. His longevity and his ability to keep the coaching fires burning for six decades will only be one of his legacies. His love for this country and for the youth of America will always be characteristics to be admired. Winning was important to Eddie Robinson, but he always did it with class and dignity."

TEAM VISITS & PERSONAL WORKOUTS

DE Brian Smith, Missouri is visiting Chicago on April 5th and Jacksonville on April 17th and will have a private workout with Cleveland tentatively schedule for April 19th.

RB Pierre Thomas, Illinois had a private workout with the 49ers and Eagles last Tuesday.

SS Tristan Burge, Eastern Illinois had a workout with the 49ers, Eagles and Colts at the Northwestern Pro Day last Thursday.

WR Mike Walker, Central Florida has visits with the Colts, Chargers, Rams and Titans, so far. He's workout privately for several teams, including the Chiefs, Jets, Vikings, Jags, and Chargers.

LB Justin Durant, Hampton has visits with Tampa Bay, Rams and the Titans, so far. He has worked out privately for the Bears, Bengals, Panthers, Falcons, and Ravens.

CB Tim Mixon, Cal has visits scheduled with the Seahawks and Bears.

LB Desmond Bishop, Cal is visiting the Eagles April 3.

DE Nuu Tafisi, Cal has visits scheduled with the Seahawks and Bears.

CB Marcus Hamilton, Virginia is visiting the Bears April 3 and will visit the Steelers next week.

DE Justin Hickman, UCLA is visiting the Raiders and the Steelers.

WR Phoenix Thompson, Belhaven College (MS) has a private workout with the Browns on Wednesday, April 4.

OT Aaron Brant, Iowa State had a visit with the Bears on April 2 and will visit the Bengals in two weeks.

FS Marcus Paschal, Iowa is currently scheduled for a pre-draft visit with the Eagles. The Buccaneers may have him in for a visit as well.

LB Korey Hall, Boise State has a visit scheduled with the Seattle Seahawks.

LB Ramon Guzman, Buffalo has visits scheduled with Indianapolis and Atlanta.

OG Corey Davis, James Madison has a visit scheduled with the New York Jets.

As reported by J.J. Pesavento of Next Level Scouting

THE DEVIN HESTER RATIO

BY DANIEL MOGOLLON

As valuable as Devin Hester was as a rookie, the Bears fully understand that for him to be as productive in year two and beyond they will likely need to find ways to involve him the offense as well. The odds are against his six touchdowns on returns in 2006 becoming a yearly event. Dante Hall was all the rage in 2003 when he found paydirt four times, not only did Hall not have a repeat season, it took him three years total to match his production from that special campaign.

"I've been trying to recruit him (to the offensive side of the ball) since the day we drafted him," Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. As explosive as Hester is, that is easier said than done. While at the University of Miami, the Canes tried using him at all the receiver positions and even at tailback to devise ways to get him the ball. For the most part, he was a non-impact player on offense, despite his tremendous open field ability.

It could very well be the case that the skills Hester uses to make him such a special return man simply do not translate to the offensive side of the ball, something the Chicago Bears who could use his potential to put up some points, as well as fantasy football fans desperately hope is not the case.

* Look for more on Devin Hester and the impact he will have on the draft in the NFL Draft Bible

BRIGGS TO SKINS HEATS UP

BY DANIEL MOGOLLON

According to Howard Bryant, the Chicago Bears are prepared to make a counter offer to the Redskins in Washington’s pursuit of All-Pro linebacker Lance Briggs. The Skins proposal included the Bears first round pick, No. 31 in addition to Briggs for the sixth overall selection. Chicago believes they deserve more, a point of view that has merit.

After all, if Washington is prepared to pay Briggs as much if not more than the sixth pick in terms of money, why should Chicago add more to the deal? If Washington is dead set on swapping first round picks, the Bears will be looking for additional players in return as well.

Three names Bryant says the Bears will inquire about are linebackers Lemar Marshall and Rocky McIntosh as well as defensive tackle Kedric Golston. Most speculation has Chicago trading down to accumulate more picks rather than shelling out big bucks to whomever they would select at No. six. Another intriguing possibility could have them packaging the pick with a player like McIntosh (a second round selection in 2006) to move up.

A player who would interest me if I were Chicago would be Michigan’s Alan Branch, especially if they were able to trade down and he was still on the board when their selection was up. It is not a pressing need, nonetheless imagine how much better a mountain like Branch could make Tommy Harris and Mark Anderson (12 sacks as a rookie)? Moreover, whoever replaces Briggs would be stepping into a situation geared towards success.

In the Washington Post piece, Bryant states this potential deal came about at the suggestion of Briggs’ agent, none other than Drew Rosenhaus. I guess it can be easy being Drew when you have Daniel Snyder on speed dial.

MOCK DRAFT #2

# TEAM/PLAYER/POS/SCHOOL
1 Oakland – Calvin Johnson, WR/GA TECH
2 Detroit – Brady Quinn, QB/ND
3 Cleveland - Adrian Peterson RB/OK
4 Tampa Bay – Joe Thomas T/WIS
5 Arizona - Jamal Anderson DE/ARK
6 Washington – Leon Hall CB/MICH
7 Minnesota – JaMarcus Russell QB/LSU
8 Houston - LaRon Landry FS/LSU
9 Miami - Amobi Okoye DT/LOU
10 Atlanta - Gaines Adams DE/GA
11 San Francisco - Patrick Willis ILB/MISS
12 Buffalo - Adam Carriker DE/NEB
13 St. Louis - Darrelle Revis CB/PIT
14 Carolina - Greg Olsen TE/MIA
15 Pittsburgh - Chris Houston CB/ARK
16 Green Bay - Marshawn Lynch RB/CAL
17 Jacksonville - Levi Brown OT/PENN ST
18 Cincinnati - Alan Branch DT/MICH
19 Tennessee - Dwayne Bowe WR/LSU
20 New York Giants - Dwayne Jarrett WR/USC
21 Denver - Anthony Spencer DE/PUR
22 Dallas - Aaron Ross CB/TEX
23 Kansas City - Robert Meachem WR/TEN
24 New England (from Seattle) - Joe Staley OT/C.MICH
25 New York Jets – Tanard Jackson CB/SYR
26 Philadelphia - Brian Leonard RB/RU
27 New Orleans - Eric Weddle SS/UTH
28 New England - Paul Posluzny OLB/PENN ST
29 Baltimore - Justin Blalock OG/TEX
30 San Diego – Brandon Meriweather FS/MIA
31 Chicago – Jon Beason LB/MIA
32 Indianapolis - Ted Ginn Jr. WR/OH St.

Dropped Out Of The First Round:
Ryan Kalil C/USC
Sidney Rice WR/S.CAR
Tony Ugoh OT/UTH

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

BY DANIEL MOGOLLON

The NFL announces primetime games:

1) 9/6/07: New Orleans Saints @ Indianapolis Colts (8:30/NBC): For the fourth straight year, the NFL is kicking off it's season on a Thursday Night with a made for primetime matchup. We have the defending champs led by their vindicated quarterback Peyton Manning, playing host to America's darling, the New Orleans Saints, led by Drew Brees and Reggie Bush.

2) 9/9/07: Chicago Bears @ San Diego Chargers (4:15/FOX): Fox gets the first national doubleheader game of the season, as the number one seeds in their respective conferences from last year square off. The Bears and Chargers did not end the 2006 season matching up as many had anticipated, however they will begin their 2007 campaigns in what should be one of the better inter-conference battles of the season. LT versus Brian Urlacher adds to the intrigue. With Troy Aikman likely the lead analyst, expect much love heading Norv Turner's way as he makes his debut as Chargers headman.

3) 9/10/07: Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals (7:00/ESPN): The Ravens are the reigning AFC North Champs, while the Bengals were the best team to miss the playoffs in 2006. You can be sure Carson Palmer and company will be looking to make a statement that this season is all about the Bengal stripes. Expect a lot of Ray Lewis, pre game, in game, post game...

4) 9/10/07: Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers (10:15/ESPN): For those of you looking for a potential sleeper team or just anyone who can knock the Seattle Seahawks off of their perch atop the NFC West this is your game. Each club displayed some promise last season…can either take the next step? Moreover, this is a big season in the development of both Alex Smith and Matt Leinart.

5) 11/22/07: Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions (12:30/FOX): The traditional Turkey Day matchup kicks off your Thanksgiving, in what could be Brett Favre's last appearance on the holiday that goes hand in hand with the pigskin. It will also likely be the national debut of whomever the Lions select with the number two pick.... Adrian Peterson, Calvin Johnson, Brady Quinn.

6) 11/22/07: New York Jets @ Dallas Cowboys (4:15/CBS): There is nothing like having your Turkey while listening to Phil Simms and Jim Nance, the best duo in the business. The NYJ make their Thanksgiving Day debut, as brothers Thomas Jones and Julius Jones are two players on this day that will be able to break bread with their family.

7) 11/22/07: Indianapolis Colts @ Atlanta Falcons (8:15/NFL Network): Hopefully the league will get their act together so most of America can actually watch this game. The old school/new school analogies with Peyton Manning and Michael Vick are simply getting old at this point. If new man in charge Bobby Petrino straightens Vick out, this could matchup two of the league's marquee players, although I do not see Vick making on appearance on SNL any time soon. Seconds anyone?

BREAKING NEWS: TOP 2008 PROSPECT INJURED

John Murphy of Yahoo! Sports & NFL Draft Bible reports:

Nebraska senior cornerback Zachary Bowman, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL in his left knee, may now miss the start of the 2007 college football season after suffering an injury to his right knee during a 7-on-7 drill during the start of spring drills. Oddly enough, Bowman was not suppose to be involved in any type of contact drills until later this summer, but this accident left him with a torn patellar tendon in his right knee, which between surgery, done earlier today, and rehab could keep him out of action up to six months.

A former JC All-American, he has ideal size (6'2", 200 pounds) and was time in the 4.45 range last spring before injuring his left knee during the third day of fall practice. He opted to return to the Cornhuskers even after getting a second-round grade back from the NFL Advisory Committee.

Bowman is from Anchorage, Alaska and had shown ideal work habits and got himself back on the field even faster than most of the coaching staff expected. His injury is clearly a setback, but it comes from him having the type of intangibles and dedication to his team that all NFL teams desire; most players would have taken things slowly and not pushed themselves, but Bowman was out there working to get better, while also giving the receivers the right look during practice.

DRAFT JOURNAL #2: MARCUS PASCHAL

Coming out of high school, I wasn't very highly recruited. And the community in Iowa City had a big influence on my decision. Just coming here and making the visit, people knew my name. That was a big deal. Not even knowing if you're going to commit, but the people in the community already knew of me and really wanted me to come here. And when I say the community, I mean the fans as well. I think the Iowa fans are second to none and they support the football team through everything. And that is what makes Iowa different from anywhere else and one of the reasons I came here.

It starts with their recruiting. They recruit players who want to work hard, and that have potential. A lot of schools look at your athletic ability and your numbers, but the Iowa coaches look what kind of potential the high school players have. In my case, Iowa was my only Division 1 offer. They found me. Coming out of high school, probably no one would have ever thought I would be a three year starter in the Big Ten. So they have an eye for players who are going to work hard and maximize their potential.

When I began at Iowa, I redshirted my freshman year. So from there, the next season I contributed a lot on special teams and was the backup for Bob Sanders. In my redshirt sophomore year. I started at strong safety. Then my junior and senior years I started at free safety.

When I think back on my career at Iowa, there are a few really high points that stand out. I made a big tackle on special teams my redshirt freshman year. I was coming down on a kickoff and made a big tackle against Michigan. That was in the last few minutes of the game and we pinned them down deep in their own end. And that helped us seal the victory, Then it would be my first Big Ten Championship and then my first collegiate interception in Kinnick Stadium against Ohio State.

My senior year was very frustrating at times because of the little nagging injuries I had to deal with. I've never been the type to be very injury prone. The only injury I ever had playing football since the age of eight was the ACL my sophomore year. And just to have little nicks and bruises and little things come up throughout the entire season was very frustrating. But I played through it in some games even though I was in pain because I knew it would help the team. So while it was frustrating, knowing my team needed me and being out there playing alongside my teammates eased it a little bit.

The last couple years were hard being that we were winning so many games and then the last two years we didn't do as well. Each and every year is different, you have to go with different players, and their mindsets are different. The last few years we weren't able to click and do as well as we did in my earlier years.

Choosing an agent is stressful but I'd been up here a few years and Coach Ferentz talks to us about the things to look for. I came across Jon (Baker) and Paul (Sheehy) and they seemed to be a great fit for me being that Jon has played in the NFL and he can relate to the NFL point of view and Paul has been an agent for 18 years or so. So I've pretty much got everything I need with them.

I got the invitation for the NFL Combine when we were down in Texas preparing for the Alamo Bowl. So once we came back, I started preparing for the Combine with Coach Doyle at Iowa. We have everything we need here. Coach Doyle has been here for some years and so he knows your body when you're about ready to leave. I think training somewhere else, you'd have to learn to adapt to a new training style. But being here with Coach Doyle, he already knows the things you need to work on, and he knows how to approach it, and coach you the way you need.

The Combine can be really nerve wracking but I think my Combine experience was maybe a bit better than a lot of other peoples' because I didn't have the long lines and having to run around places. I was the first defensive back in my group to report in. My flight came in and I got over to the hospital and did all the medical work before anyone else got there. A lot of players had to go to the hospital and sit there all night. But I was lucky enough to get that all done and go back to my hotel room and relax.

The interviews were pretty good. That was another thing my agents talked about. They told me you have to go in and put your best foot forward. The coaches at Iowa told me the same thing. And I think that helped me with me having all the injuries I had this year. And for them to go through the interview process with me and see the type of person that I am, and where my head is at throughout this whole thing really helped me a lot.

I wasn't totally happy with my workouts there. I trained at Iowa real hard and I think I could have done better. You always think you can do better at least on some things. Going into the Combine, I had certain goals set and certain things I did what I wanted to do but in others, I didn't. But I wasn't happy overall and I improved at my Pro Day.

But it is a once in a lifetime experience and I soaked every moment of it in.

Being that I wasn't totally satisfied with my performance at the Combine, when I went back to Iowa, I worked on getting a better start on my 40 and bringing my shuttle times down.

I think I was successful in getting my shuttle time down, but I wasn't able to knock the 40 time down more like I wanted to. But overall, it went well. I did well on the position drills and a lot of the scouts told me they were impressed and to keep working hard. So for the most part, I think my Pro Day was good.

I think in some cases there is too much emphasis put on workout times. I'm not the type of guy who is going to wow you with my 40 or shuttle times. All I ask is that you put the game film on and you'll see that I'm a football player. I'm the type of guy who is going to play hard every play and you can see that on the field. And running a 4.3 40 doesn't necessarily help make you that type of player on the field.

I think my strength is in my knowledge of the game and running to the ball. I'm a good tackler and that is something I believe I excel at. Being a safety in the Big Ten and coming up and being a very aggressive tackler is something that has benefitted me.

I really don't know what will be the biggest adjustment for me at the NFL level. I know that Coach Ferentz builds the Iowa program on a NFL level. I know there will be some odds and ends I will have to get used to, but as far as the meetings, the routines, Coach Ferentz tries to run the program on a NFL level because he's been in the NFL. So I really don't know, but I think I'll make the transition real well.

I think the combination of knowledge and playing experience separates me from some defensive backs. I've been a three year starter in the Big Ten and I bring that intensity when I play. I can help in run support and make tackles but I am also comfortable in coverage.

If I didn't play professional football, I would like to coach football. Probably start at the high school level and work my way up. Because I want to be around the sport regardless of whether I am able to play or not.

I'll be in Iowa City until maybe the Thursday before the draft, then I'll head home to Largo and hope for that phone call. Outside of myself, my mom and dad will be the most excited when that call comes. It has been a childhood dream and now it is only a month away from becoming a reality.

Journal provided by J.J. Pesavento of Next Level Scouting

COMPENSATORY PICKS

A total of 32 compensatory choices in the 2007 NFL Draft have been awarded to 16 teams, the NFL announced today.

Under terms of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in a year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks.

The number of picks a team receives equals the net loss of compensatory free agents up to a maximum of four. The 32 compensatory choices announced today will supplement the 223 choices in the seven rounds of the 2007 NFL Draft (April 28-29). This year, the compensatory picks will be positioned within the third through seventh rounds based on the value of the compensatory free agents lost.

Compensatory free agents are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. The formula was developed by the NFL Management Council. Not every free agent lost or signed by a club is covered by this formula.

One club this year (Cincinnati) will receive a compensatory pick even though it did not suffer a net loss of compensatory free agents. Under the formula, the compensatory free agents Cincinnati lost were ranked higher than the ones it signed (by a specified point differential based upon salary and performance).

The following 2007 draft picks have been determined by the NFL Management Council:

ROUND 3: SELECTION # 96 San Diego
ROUND 3: SELECTION # 97 San Francisco
ROUND 3: SELECTION # 98 Indianapolis
ROUND 3: SELECTION # 99 Oakland
ROUND 4: SELECTION # 132 Pittsburgh
ROUND 4: SELECTION # 133 Atlanta
ROUND 4: SELECTION # 134 Baltimore
ROUND 4: SELECTION # 135 San Francisco
ROUND 4: SELECTION # 136 Indianapolis
ROUND 4: SELECTION # 137 Baltimore
ROUND 5: SELECTION # 170 Pittsburgh
ROUND 5: SELECTION # 171 New England
ROUND 5: SELECTION # 172 San Diego
ROUND 5: SELECTION # 173 Indianapolis
ROUND 5: SELECTION # 174 Baltimore
ROUND 6: SELECTION # 207 Baltimore
ROUND 6: SELECTION # 208 New England
ROUND 6: SELECTION # 209 New England
ROUND 6: SELECTION # 210 Seattle
ROUND 7: SELECTION # 243 Green Bay
ROUND 7: SELECTION # 244 Atlanta
ROUND 7: SELECTION # Tampa Bay
ROUND 7: SELECTION # 246 Tampa Bay
ROUND 7: SELECTION # 247 New England
ROUND 7: SELECTION # 248 St. Louis
ROUND 7: SELECTION # 249 St. Louis
ROUND 7: SELECTION # 250 New York Giants
ROUND 7: SELECTION # 251 Jacksonville
ROUND 7: SELECTION # 252 Jacksonville
ROUND 7: SELECTION # 253 Cincinnati
ROUND 7: SELECTION # 254 Oakland
ROUND 7: SELECTION # 255 Detroit

Courtesy NFL Media

PRO DAYS TODAY

FLORIDA (Jacksonville, FL): Former Florida senior defensive tackle Marcus Thomas will hold a private workout at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville. He was not allowed to participate at the Pro Day held at the University of Florida, but will do a full workout for scouts and position coaches on that day.

CALIFORNIA (On-Campus): Senior offensive lineman Erik Robertson (calf) and senior cornerback Tim Mixon (knee) will both workout at the school's second Pro Day

BY JOHN MURPHY OF YAHOO! SPORTS