NFL Wisconsin Football

If you would have asked me before the 2007 season started, I would have said it was a foregone conclusion that Wisconsin cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu would turn pro after the season.

His size has NFL scouts drooling, and his physical style of play and super coverage skills were certainly going to make him worthy of a high draft pick.

Well, sometimes things change. At this point, I'm not so sure.

Ikegwuonu has as many interceptions this year as I do. He's also only picked up 17 tackles in Bucky's first eight games. Part of this is due to the fact that teams just don't throw his way, especially if they have a reasonably talented receiver being covered by Allen Langford. That, along with a well-publicized off-field issue that he doesn't want to talk about, may be enough to keep Ikegwuonu from being the surefire first-round pick we expected him to be at the start of the season.

As a result, his career at Wisconsin might not be done after this season. His position coach, Kerry Cooks, says he's no longer certain that there needs to be a discussion about Ikegwuonu's plans after the season. Frankly, I think that statement says a lot. Cooks is in a better position than anyone to evaluate Ikegwuonu's NFL hopes, as he sees the kid play every day.

Whether you think Ikegwuonu has been hampered by his legal issues or, at least in part, by Langford's poor play on the other side of the field, it's hard to deny that he's one of many Badger defensive players who have not performed at a high level this season. As we discussed before, there isn't just one reason why this defense has fallen off so badly in 2007.

If all of this means that Ikegwuonu needs another year to mature before he goes to the NFL, it's probably for the best. Redemption is a great motivator, and he's not the only Wisconsin player likely to return next year who will be seeking redemption.

A couple of weeks ago, FanHouse's Bruce Ciskie wrote about Jake Wood, a former Wisconsin football player who is now a Marine in Iraq. Jake writes a fascinating blog about his experiences in Iraq in a very real, non-political, boots on the ground sort of way. If you haven't bookmarked his blog, you really should, unless you are extraordinarily afraid of spiders and then it will freak you out.

Recently, I emailed Jake to tell him how much I enjoyed reading his blog and gave him a link about what was going on with Texans tight end Owen Daniels who was drafted from Wisconsin last year. They were in the same recruiting class together. Last year, eight tight ends were drafted before Daniels but he ended up on the NFL's all-rookie team, and he had a great season before he was slowed with a shoulder injury. (He says he feels fine now). Jake asked me to give OD a shout out if I happened to see him. Strangely enough, right after that I did see him at the Texans Draft Party and gave him Jake's message. In the above UnCut video, Daniels gives him his own video shoutout and a commentary on Wisconsin football.

Be well, Jake. Our thoughts and prayers go to you, Golf Company, and all the men and women serving our country.

Previously at FanHouse:
Former Badger Blogs from Iraq

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.

Several analysts were talking about this weekend's NFL draft on Cold Pizza a few minutes ago. When the subject came up about Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas, one analyst closed the segment by mentioning that Thomas is so calm, cool and collected about draft day that he's spending the day fishing with his dad.

It's a great story, but the thing is ... that's just Joe Thomas.

Back story: during recruiting, Thomas was one of the nation's most sought-after prospects anywhere. Coaches from around the nation came calling but it became apparent to many he'd stick with homestate Wisconsin.

The reason?

To borrow a lyric from John Denver, "thank God he's a country boy". Thomas is just one of those people happy to go fishing, hunting or ride ATV's. He found that with the homestate school and he'll find that on draft day. Take a look at where he took his official visits: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Virginia Tech. Lots of wide open spaces at those colleges, no?

So then is it any surprise that someone with the discipline to pass up elite colleges to visit ones that fit his off-field tastes will spend draft weekend fishing?

It helps to know the full story so please file the whole "he's calm this weekend because he's fishing" thing under "myth". The reality is Joe's just being Joe.

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

John Stocco, senior quarterback, Wisconsin

WHAT NFL SCOUTS ARE SAYING

ESPN.com ($): "Lacks ideal height and bulk. Doesn't have great speed, isn't going to make many defenders miss and isn't a dangerous open field runner. While there is a lot to like about competitive spirit, occasionally tries to do too much as a runner resulting in him taking big hits and needs to learn to throw the ball away when the pocket starts to collapse.

"He has made significant strides in terms of his decision making skills and he can be an effective play-action passer when the running game is working. However, Stocco lacks ideal natural ability and he needs to be surrounded by a strong supporting cast to be effective."

PROBABLY GETTING DRAFTED...

Sixth round at best. Stocco has had some good workouts in front of the scouts, which should be enough to get him drafted. Frankly, it shouldn't have come down to that, but he apparently did what he had to do so he'd have a shot of getting his name called.

GUY WHO WATCHED HIM FOR FOUR THREE YEARS IS SAYING

Stocco started really slow at Wisconsin. He was a handoff machine as a sophomore, and generally, Wisconsin got in trouble when he was asked to do more than hand off. However, even as a sophomore, when his receivers stunk and his game was clearly still developing, Stocco was clearly a leader and a good "game manager", as ESPN.com put it. He didn't put his team in peril with a lot of bad throws or bad decisions. He was pretty smart with the ball, and only needed to learn to be more assertive and make quicker decisions.

As he developed in his junior year, the team kept getting better. He used Brandon Williams, Jonathan Orr, and Brian Calhoun masterfully, completing 152 passes between the three, and throwing 21 total touchdown passes on the season. When Calhoun was slowed down by opposing defenses, Stocco made them pay for their obsession with stopping Wisconsin's run game. He threw for at least 200 yards in seven straight games, including a pair of 300-yard efforts.

Then, Stocco had a strong senior season despite not having any experienced receivers surrounding him. With a freshman carrying the run game, Stocco helped guys like Travis Beckum, Paul Hubbard, and Luke Swan emerge as threats in 2006. He had to fight off a late-season shoulder injury, but ended up returning for the Badgers' Capital One Bowl "upset" win over Arkansas.

His arm isn't the strongest, but he's accurate, smart, and a well-respected leader in the huddle.

I'm not here to tell you that Stocco is going to be an NFL star. Actually, I'm not even here to tell you that Stocco is going to be an NFL starter. However, what I am going to say is that, in my somewhat unqualified opinion ("somewhat"?), Stocco is the best quarterback prospect I have seen come out of Wisconsin. If Jim Sorgi and Brooks Bollinger* could land NFL jobs, I'm certain that Stocco can. He won't be picked before the sixth round, but look for Stocco to latch on as a third quarterback somewhere, and he'll eventually get the chance to move up the depth chart.

* - No disrespect intended. I enjoyed watching both those guys at UW, and I'm glad they've found work in the pros.

Previously at FanHouse
College Eye for the NFL Guy: Joe Thomas

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

Well, they're not completely wrong. In fairness, they're pretty close to being right. Just a little nitpicky, which is to be expected when breaking down a top prospect.

Joe Thomas, senior offensive tackle, Wisconsin

WHAT NFL SCOUTS ARE SAYING

ESPN.com ($): "Possesses excellent height, big hands and adequate bulk. Still has room to add weight to his frame. He is extremely agile and athletic, especially for such a tall lineman. He displays good upper-body power and a powerful hand punch. Exceptional when asked to protect the quarterback's blindside. Gets set quickly in pass pro and stays very much under control. Rarely loses to speed off the edge."

The Sporting News NFL Draft Guide: "...great height and athleticism but isn't as flashy as the Jets' D'Brickashaw Ferguson, the first tackle drafted in 2006. Thomas improved with each game his senior year...should start immediately."

PROBABLY GETTING DRAFTED...

Early. I'm talking "first lineman taken" early, and I'm probably talking "He'll be invited to the draft in New York" early. I'd be stunned if he lasted past the top five.

GUY WHO WATCHED HIM FOR FOUR YEARS IS SAYING

There are a few negatives about Thomas. When he came back from his knee injury last fall, he looked a bit robotic at times. He wasn't fluid in his motions, and he was about as shaky in pass protection those first few weeks of 2006 as he ever was at UW.

Once the calendar flipped into October, Thomas was back to being his usual self. He's fundamentally sound in all areas, and he has very quick feet. Not only that, but it seemed that as the 2006 season wore on, Thomas developed a bit of a mean streak.

Throw in there the story of how he suffered that torn ACL in the 2006 Capital One Bowl. He didn't do it while pass-blocking. Entering the Badgers' game against Auburn, Thomas offered to help out on the defensive line, because the Badgers had suffered some injuries there. Knowing he had played one game at defensive end during his freshman year (so he at least had some experience at the position), the coaches allowed Thomas to make the move for the bowl game. It was there that he got hurt. He was playing a foreign position in a bowl game, knowing that he was a consensus first-round NFL Draft pick who was potentially risking millions of dollars if he got hurt.

Outside of the need to continue developing that mean streak of his, there aren't many weaknesses in Thomas' game. He should be starting in Week One for the team that picks him. As much as it would pain me to see him on a division rival of my Packers, Thomas makes a great deal of sense for Detroit with the second pick. If Matt Millen passes up on Thomas, my guess is that he won't last much longer.

Previously at FanHouse
Wisconsin's Joe Thomas Puts on a Show at Combine

The Lions have been submerged in an interminable rebuilding program for several years. This rebuilding process has been particularly nettlesome during Matt Millen's short tenure. I compare the continued personnel failings of the Lions to pulling upon the end of a piece of string. As you pull the string in an attempt to find it's source, it unravels and unwinds until you reach it's end. For the Lions, that source was Matt Millen's poor decision not to retain two inherited offensive linemen, Jeff Hartings and Mike Compton.

Compton and Hartings each were contributors to Super Bowl champion teams after they left the Lions. Hartings has been a Pro Bowler, too. When a NFL executive takes over a team they often set out to make the mark by overhauling their roster. In this particular case, Millen should have followed this overused maxim, "If it aint broke, don't fix it" Hartings and Compton were solid contributors for the team and since that point no player who has attempted to fill their shoes has played up to their quality level. The Lions have been unable to develop any sort of consistency along their offensive line in recent seasons. Hartings' and Compton's replacements have generally been major disappointments. The Lions poor offensive line play has culminated with the 41 sacks they have allowed season, along with innumerable QB hurries and pressures.

Matt Millen's tenure in Detroit is likely nearing it's end point. Millen, a consummate football man who is well-liked, should have known better than to go against his blue-collar football instincts when he arrived in Detoit. Whomever takes over the helm for Millen will certainly have to place a priority upon aquiring some quality offensive linemen, possibly by drafting Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas with the first overall draft pick in the 2007 draft. It is also likely that a disappointing player like G Damien Woody, depending on future salary cap ramifications, may actually be jettisoned. Hopefully, the loss of a former Pro Bowl performer doesn't hamper the Lions to the same degree that the losses of Compton and Hartings appeared to have.