NFL Michigan Football

NFL scouts thought they knew these guys, and it turns out we think they got it right...

If you've seen our College Eye for the NFL Guy profiles, you'll probably notice that we're quite argumentative in them. Well, we don't always think that NFL scouts are missing the boat. There are a number of Big Ten prospects that seem to be projected in just about the right position.

Whenever possible, I will note a player's projected spot in Todd McShay's seven-round (!) mock draft ($).

RONDELL BIGGS, DE, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "Uses hands well, shows good upper body strength and flashes an effective rip move. Stays active and is a relentless pass rusher. Flashes the ability to run through blockers in the backfield and is a powerful tackler that can knock the ball loose when gets to the quarterback...Doesn't have great top-end speed and isn't a sideline-to-sideline player. Isn't fast enough to turn the corner and doesn't close well...He lacks ideal speed and athleticism but Biggs possesses good size and strength versus the run. Biggs also gives a great effort and plays with solid technique."

Probably getting drafted: He's nothing flashy, and may not get drafted. But if that happens, Biggs should be one of the more highly-coveted "street" free agents available after the draft.

PRESCOTT BURGESS, LB, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "He takes solid angles in pursuit and has established himself as a reliable tackler. He has long arms and a powerful upper body. Does a good job of controlling blockers at the line of scrimmage. He's a fluid athlete for his size...He would rather run around blockers than take them on, which he won't get away with in the NFL. He will have limitations in terms of one-on-one coverage in the NFL...There are also concerns regarding his toughness and mental capacity. Burgess projects as a mid-Day 2 pick in 2007."

Probably getting drafted: McShay has Burgess being picked by Green Bay in the sixth round (193rd overall). I think he's potentially one of the more underrated players in this draft. He's somewhat limited athletically, but he has good size and length, and could be a very effective backup as a rookie.

TYLER ECKER, TE, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "Shows adequate balance, plays hard and flashes the ability to sustain blocks. Plays under control in space, shows good athletic ability and can adjust to the moving target at the second level. Has a wide frame, can shield defenders from the ball and has the potential to develop into a productive red zone target...Doesn't explode into blocks, doesn't roll hips into blocks and isn't going to knock many defenders back. Doesn't appear to read defenses well and has some problems locating soft spots when working against zone coverage...Ecker has enough of size and athletic ability to develop into a quality reserve tight end in a scheme that doesn't ask him to do a lot of in-line blocking. However, his upside is limited by his lack of speed and explosiveness."

Probably getting drafted: Ecker was a solid player at Michigan, but he will be a priority free agent after the draft. He just doesn't have the physical tools for his position to justify a selection.

BRANDON FIELDS, P, MICHIGAN STATE

ESPN.com ($): "Has excellent leg strength and range should improve if he can improve technique. Possesses adequate accuracy and flashes the ability to pin teams deep...Though gets good hang time on kicks at times, he is inconsistent in this area and needs to work on overall technique...Fields has the power to develop into an excellent NFL punter but he isn't fundamentally sound or consistent at this point."

Probably getting drafted: If Fields gets picked, it will be late. Like most kickers/punters, it's hard to project a spot for him, but he has the talent to be a seventh-round selection.

NFL scouts thought they knew these guys, and it turns out we think they got it right...

If you've seen our College Eye for the NFL Guy profiles, you'll probably notice that we're quite argumentative in them. Well, we don't always think that NFL scouts are missing the boat. There are a number of Big Ten prospects that seem to be projected in just about the right position.

Whenever possible, I will note a player's projected spot in Todd McShay's seven-round (!) mock draft ($).

LEON HALL, CB, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "He's a fluid and smooth athlete. Possesses adequate-to-good size and plays even bigger than his size would indicate. An aggressive and tough cornerback. Shows very good instincts and will do an excellent job of reading quarterbacks' eyes in coverage...Lack of ideal turn-and-run skills is biggest knock...Hall is big and strong enough to handle bigger NFL receivers one-on-one and he also does a fine job supporting the run. In our opinion, Hall grades out as a mid-first round prospect but in a weak class of cornerbacks he could come off the board in the top-10 picks."

Probably getting drafted: Early. As the report notes, this is a weak cornerback class, and Hall is the best of the bunch. McShay has him going tenth overall to Houston, and there's little doubt he'll go in the first half of the first round.

ANTHONY SPENCER, DE, PURDUE

ESPN.com ($): "His motor never stopped running as a senior and it seems that the "light finally came on" in terms of his technique and recognition skills. He plays the run hard and will give great effort pursuing from the backside. Displays good strength for his size...Lacks ideal size; somewhat on the shorter side with just adequate bulk. Might struggle to get off of blocks as quickly versus bigger NFL lineman. He is quick and fast, but he doesn't possess great change-of-direction skills...While some consider him a 'tweener defensive end/outside linebacker, we're not convinced he's athletic enough to play linebacker in the NFL. His best fit most likely will be as a 4-3 defensive end in a one-gap scheme similar to the Colts'. Regardless, Spencer should come off the board late in the first or early in the second round."

Probably getting drafted: Spencer looks like he'll jump into the first round. McShay lists him 25th to the Jets. There's still a chance Spencer will drop into the first part of the second round, but the odds are still good that he'll get his name called by the time the Colts pick to close out the first round.

LaMARR WOODLEY, DE/OLB, MICHIGAN

ESPN.com ($): "He never gives up on a play and he displays an outstanding motor. He has improved his strength and did a much better job anchoring when teams ran at him as a senior in 2006...Has trouble stacking at the line of scrimmage versus taller, bigger offensive tackles. He has experience dropping into coverage but he's far more effective when turned loose up-the-field. He's a bit stiff in the hips and might not be fluid enough to make the move to linebacker in the NFL...The key for Woodley is to land with a team that will mask his weaknesses by using him as a one-gap DE. To his credit, Woodley bulked up and became much stronger versus the run in 2006. He also displays the speed, power and vicious mentality it takes to succeed at the next level. Despite his lack of a natural fit, we still think Woodley is worthy of consideration in the bottom-half of Round 2."

Probably getting drafted: Woodley's motor and strength seem to mask his status as a "tweener". A guy with his makeup but less physical ability would be relegated to the second day, but Woodley appears to be a solid second-round pick. McShay has him going 50th to the Titans.

NFL scouts think they know him, but they're wrong...

Steve Breaston, wide receiver, Michigan

WHAT NFL SCOUTS ARE SAYING

ESPN.com ($): "A homerun threat with the ball in his hands -- as a receiver, return man and on reverses. He shows great vision as a runner and sees creases opening up quickly. Shows very good initial burst and top-end speed. He displays the necessary second-gear to run away from defenders in the open field...Will have some trouble getting off the line of scrimmage versus bigger, more physical defensive backs in the NFL...lacks the physical tools to ever emerge as a difference-maker in the NFL. At best, Breaston will become a No. 4 receiver and a solid punt return specialist at the next level."

The Sporting News Pro Football Draft Guide: "Quick, smooth receiver who makes things happen in the open field. Will work the middle and fight to the whistle after the catch...sells fakes so well he turns around defenders...lacks elite explosiveness and speed and the lower-body strength to break tackles."

PROBABLY GETTING DRAFTED

From the sounds of it, Breaston is going to be available early in the second day. Many "draftniks" are looking at Breaston as a fourth-round selection.

GUY WHO WATCHED HIM FOR FOUR YEARS IS SAYING

...that I can't figure out why Brian Cook didn't want to post this.

[Brian Cook weighing in! Personally, I have my doubts about Breaston as an NFL level performer and think his draft slotting as a late-round return specialist is about right. He's not Devin Hester. Sorry, Bruce (and Steve). -ed]

Actually, I'm saying that the scouts are missing the boat on Breaston. What I'm not going to try to do is sell Breaston as a first-round pick. But the idea that he won't go on the first day is somewhat ridiculous to me.

He's not Devin Hester, but he is still a very good kick-return prospect. Just ask Indiana. Or Penn State.

Now, ask yourself something. What did Devin Hester do for the Bears last year, besides returning kicks?

(Answer: "Virtually nothing, unless you're impressed by his nine total tackles.")

Steve Breaston is not exactly a lowly receiving prospect in this draft. He's not the biggest player in this receiver class, but he is scary fast, very elusive, and he's not afraid of contact.

More than any other Big Ten player I've looked at for this project, I do not understand why Breaston is rated as low as he is. He has upside as a slot receiver in the NFL, and he is definitely one of the top return players in the draft. I think he merits selection no later than the first part of the third round. If he's available past, say, pick 75, he becomes one of the top steals on the board.

(Thanks to Brian Cook of MGoBlog and the FanHouse for his help finding Breaston video.)

Previously on the Fanhouse about Wolverines in the NFL Draft: Henne and Long are coming back. Hart was also asserted to be on the way back, though there wasn't an official announcement.

Now, Hart officially says he's returning. So does OLB Shawn Crable:

"I'm here next year," Crable said during a Rose Bowl news conference. "I'm going to stay here and play next year. I'm close to my degree. I'm going to get that and play football again."

Crable apparently had to reassure his mother, who read Crable was planning on leaving on an internet message board. This is the bit where we say "not it." Not it.

That's everyone except the big guy -- both literally and in terms of impact -- Alan Branch. Branch claims to be torn, but it sounds like the coaches are betting on a departure. With Branch projected in the top five many places, it would be hard to blame him.

At midseason, Jake Long said he was coming back for his fifth year, but his continued rise up draft boards -- he was in the top ten on a lot of mocks -- caused some worry in the Michigan fanbase that tackle extraordinare could bolt early, leaving a gaping hole on the left side of the line. Well, worry no longer:

Left tackle Jake Long, a redshirt junior, is expected to announce today he will return to Michigan next season.

That article quotes no one and could very well be lifted whole cloth from message boards, where the well-backed rumor originated. In any case, the right people are claiming Long's return, quote or no, and we should get official confirmation sometime today.

(Urban Meyer Urban Meyer Urban Meyer I am obsessed with Urban Meyer.)

There are five potential early entry candidates on the roster:

• Chad Henne. Has a number of other QBs in front of him, including Brady Quinn, Troy Smith, and Drew Stanton (probably). A different quarterback than he was as a mediocre sophomore but could still use a lot of polish. Has already declared that he's returning.
  
• Mike Hart. Unlike Henne, is probably not going to boost his draft stock by returning, but asserted he would come back in the aftermath of the Ohio State game (see above article).
  
• Shawn Crable. Still hasn't shown much outside of pass rush and outrageous athleticism, but has a couple kids and might be feeling some financial pressure. Still unlikely to go, as another year could greatly benefit his draft stock. Would be a mid-rounder this year. 80% he stays.
  
• Jake Long. A sure first-rounder if he decides to enter but clearly behind UW's Joe Thomas and probably USC's Sam Baker. Could go but inside rumblings are that he's likely to stay unless he's told he'll be the #1 OT selected. Passed up an opportunity to speak at the Football Bust and told newspapers a while ago that he would return. Could change his mind if he dominates USC's defensive ends in the Rose Bowl and gets the NFL to regard him as a left tackle (right now he'd probably get drafted as a RT). Probably stays, but not a shock if he leaves.
  
• Alan Branch. The most likely departure, Branch is a top-ten lock if he goes. Chris Mortensen recently said he was a candidate for the top five picks. Reportedly not a huge fan of books and stuff, though he loves playing for Michigan. Probably gone.
  

This doesn't necessarily mean a whole lot yet, but as of a week ago no Michigan players had submitted their names to the NFL's underclassman evaluation service.

Never. Never-ever. They would probably go in the sixteenth round to Upper Siberia and be paid in pigs, one of whom they would be expected to marry. I have it on good authority from multiple draft sources that the pair will never, ever make a living in the NF--

Juniors who should enter the draft

Alan Branch, DT, Michigan: In what looks like a bleak crop of defensive tackles, Branch would stand head and shoulders above everyone if he decides to enter the draft. Dominant in the middle, Branch is a pocket pusher with immediate starting potential at the next level.

Jake Long, T, Michigan: As good as Branch is on the defensive line, Long is equally as impressive on the other side of the ball. A massive lineman on the left side, he destroys the opposition as a run blocker while displaying effective footwork in pass protection.

What? Where did that come from? "Sports Illustrated"? Who's ever heard of that rag-tag organization of knitting enthusiasts? I object! This is clearly Buckeye propaganda designed to reduce the margin of our 2007 victory into double digits! I will not stand for this!