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I've been trying to find out what others around the country are saying about the Golden Bears who are entered into the 2009 NFL Draft.
It hasn't been all that easy.
Most of the interest I've found pertaining to any of the former Bears has been with Alex Mack. It makes sense that Mack is a topic of conversation. He's been part of a debate with "draft experts" as to who the top center in this year's draft is.
It also helps Mack's buzz that up to five teams could be looking to draft a center early with only three centers rated to go in the first two rounds. Even with the buzz he has received, many continue to speculate about Mack being on the ground at the end of plays.
That speculation is unjustified, and probably leaked by a team that is interested in drafting him. If you watch Mack play, you know why he's on the ground when the whistle blows - if he indeed is on the ground. Many times, he's making diving blocks in order to cut defender to the ground or he's actually on the ground forcing an opponent to stay there. I doubt that anyone will be mentioning this silly speculation after he's actually playing in the NFL.
Cameron Morrah has received some acknowledgment for his skills and ability, but he's still looked at as a second day pick due to him being rather raw.
I also like the potential this season that Cal underclassman Cameron Morrah displayed. He came through with more catches this past season than he did the two previous seasons combined with the Golden Bears while also proving to be a key factor in the red zone with six touchdown receptions. I would have preferred Morrah to remain at Cal for another season, but even so, he deserves serious consideration during the early-to-mid portion of Day 2.
- ESPN's Mel Kiper on Morrah
What puzzles me is how far players such as Zack Follett, Worrell Williams, and Anthony Felder have fallen on most draft charts. When a group of players that made up what many pundits last season called 'one of the best linebacking groups in the country,' ranks as low as they do, it's a little surprising.
Many of the Cal hopefuls are hoping that teams aren't getting their drafting advice from draft-nicks. Lucky for them, or not, teams do their own analysis of players and at least two-thirds of the teams will have all the knowledge they need of this group of Bears on draft day.
An example of what the 'experts' are rating this class of former Bears, is from ESPN's Scouts INC. This is just to give you an idea of where some of the Bears may land in the coming draft:
| Alex Mack | Outstanding Prospect | Player has abilities to create mismatches versus most opponents in the NFL. A feature player that has an impact on the outcome of the game. Cannot be shut down by a single player and plays on a consistent level week in and week out. He rates in the top 10 at his position and is considered a second round draft prospect. |
| Cameron Morrah | Solid Prospect | Still a standout player at the college level that is close to being an elite player. He has no glaring weaknesses and will usually win his individual matchups, but does not dominate in every game, especially when matched up against the top players in the country. He will usually rate in the top third of players at his position and is considered a third round draft prospect. |
| Zach Follett | Adequate Prospect | These are usually players that play at a high level in college, but lack some measurables or skills to play at that same level in the NFL. He may be a player that has a lot of developmental qualities, or could be a player that will contribute right away on special teams or in a situational capacity. He will usually rate in the second-third at his position and is considered a fifth round draft choice. |
| Worrell Williams | Borderline Draft Prospect | These are players that teams like something about, but certainly do not have the full package in terms of NFL talent. A lot of times, teams will take chances on character players or developmental type athletes with this grade. And often, these are players that come from smaller schools or did not standout at the college level. NFL teams are looking for 'diamonds in the rough' with this type of prospect. He will usually rate in the bottom third of players at his position and will be considered a late round draft choice or un-drafted free agent. |
| Anthony Felder | ||
| Rulon Davis | ||
| Nick Sundberg | ||
| Willie Ta'ufo'ou | ||
| Nathan Longshore | ||
| Noris Malele | ||
RELATED ARTICLES:
- Golden Bears pass defense hinges on linebackers
- Cal's passing offense should be solid in 2009
- Tedford previews spring practice
- Early reports are in - Mack is a wanted man
- Golden Bears hold their own at NFL Combine
Comments
lo. Nathan Longshore. I didn't know that was his name. Ok, people will think I'm crazy, but I think Nate Longshore will be good in the NFL.
I think you're crazy! I love Nate for his contributions to Cal Football and don't hate on him intentionally, but the last couple of years Cal has been stagnated by his inconsistent play. He was almost as bad as Ayoob last year. That said, I hope he gets a chance in the NFL to prove me wrong.
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