Top 50 I-AA Prospects for 2006

[Josh]

I know it is early and we are not done with 2005 yet but I want to give you all an idea of who is getting looks for the 2006 Draft from I-AA. I-AA will be well represented.

Here is an early look:

I-AA Offers Talent, Depth to 2006 NFL Draft Class
- Every year there are sleepers in the NFL Draft. Most of the time those sleepers come from I-AA or D2. Most of those sleepers tend to be former I-AA players. This year is no different.

There are 3 potential corners who could go in the first 5 rounds from I-AA alone. Cletis Gordon of Jackson State and David Pittman of Northwestern State both figure to go day 1. Darren Barnett of SMS has the chance to go in round 5 as well.

FS A.J. Bryant of Georgia Southern is still somewhat of an unknown in I-AA but his size and ball skills make him a legit draft grade as well.

Furman is loaded with 2 potential draft grade prospects and 1 priority free agent type prospect. ILB William Freeman, SoCon Defensive Player of the Year, and QB Ingle Martin who transferred from Florida could get drafted. Also, OG Patrick Covington could be one to watch for.

There are also 5 potential draft grade wideouts as well. Kelvin Dickens of Morgan State, Eric Kimble of Eastern Washington, Marques Colston of Hofstra, Toby Ziegler of Northwestern State, and Felton Huggins of Southeastern Louisiana all have a chance to be drafted.

Colston returns from a season ending injury.

Ziegler and Dickens are sleepers with big play ability and great speed.

And don’t forget Kimble who is perhaps the top wideout/return specialist from I-AA in the draft.

The defensive line also brings great depth at both tackle and end.

Defensive ends Chris Gocong of Cal Poly, Brady Fosmark of Weber State, Jacob Houston of Sacramento State, and Lennard Patton of Grambling State are all possible draft grades.

Defensive tackles Fred Evans of Texas State, Tom Parks of Delaware, and Darrell Adams of Villanova are all quality players with ideal size.

Look for the 2006 class to surprise and draft more than players than 2004 and possibly more than 2005 will have.

Next April expect I-AA to have one of the best showings in recent memory in the draft.

Here are the top 50 prospects in I-AA for the 2006 NFL Draft
Rank Pos Jersey Name School Height Weight 40 Time Comment Round
1. CB 4 Cletis Gordon, Jackson State, 6016, 195, 4.44 Versatile, also returns kickoffs and punts and plays receiver; had 8 pass breakups in 2004 2nd
2. CB 4 David Pittman, NW State, 5110, 172, 4.42/4.45 Great speed; dislocated right elbow caused him to miss 3 games in 2004 3rd-4th
3. FS 13 A.J. Bryant, Georgia Southern, 6036, 201, 4.59/4.61 Shared time with All-SoCon safety James Young but still had 6 picks; has jumped a 38-inch vertical 4th-5th
4. OLB/ILB 49 William Freeman, Furman, 6014 242 4.53/4.59 had 100 tackles after moving into the open spot left by teammate Mike Killian after the Pittsburgh game; very aggressive 5th
5. CB 1 Darren Barnett, SMS, 5110 185 4.50E Impressive 2004 campaign with 7 picks and 9 pass breakups; good size 5th
6. FS 6 Reed Doughty, Northern Colorado, 6010 208 4.50E Had 116 tackles and 6 picks in 2004; special teams standout as well, had 2 blocked kicks 5th-6th
7. DE 67 Brady Fosmark, Weber State, 6021 260 4.75E Had 18.5 tackles for loss in 2004; missed spring with hamstring injury; pick 6th
8. WR 2 Kelvin Dickens, Morgan State, 6024 201 4.35/4.36 Great speed; averaged over 21 ½ yards per catch and caught over 1,000 yards 6th
9. WR 32 Eric Kimble, Eastern Washington, 5100 195 Caught over 1,450 yards and 19 TDs; scored 2 TDs on punt returns 6th
10. ILB 52 Marcus Mikulec, Sam Houston State, 6020 245 4.45/4.50E All-Southland, had 97 tackles in 2004; great size and speed 6th
11. DE 53 Chris Gocong, Cal Poly, 6030 255 4.80E Posted 21.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks; can play tackle or end 6th
12. WR 80 Felton Huggins, SELU, 6033 179 4.53 Great size; posted 1,313 yards and 13 TDs in 2004 6th
13. OG/OT 64 Jeff Bolton, Montana State, 6040 325 1st team All-American; great size 6th-7th
14. WR 89 Marques Colston, Hofstra, 6044 230 4.53/4.65 Missed 2004 due to shoulder surgery; primed for breakout campaign 6th-7th
15. OG/C 71 Chad Motte, Georgia Southern, 6033 304 5.30E 3rd-team All-American; good size 6th-7th
16. QB 14 Travis Lulay, Montana State, 6020 205 Grades as a punter and quarterback; threw for 3,485 yards and averaged 42.2 yards per punt 7th
17. DT 55 Fred Evans, Texas Sate, 6050 300 Collected 17.5 tackles for loss; All-American 7th
18. QB 15 Ingle Martin, Furman, 6027 225 4.52/4.60 Great athlete who can also punt; threw for 2,792 yards in 2004 7th
19. WR 2 Toby Ziegler, NW State, 6010 185 4.45E All-American return specialist; big play type with good speed and size 7th
20. DE 98 Lennard Patton, Grambling State, 6040 285 4.60 Did not play due to grades in 2004; great speed 7th
21. TE 81 Corey Roberts, Sam Houston State, 6044 235 4.60 Collected 282 yards and 5 TDs in 2004: great size/speed combo 7th
22. OLB 32 Marvin Byrdsong, NW State, 6021 249 4.59/4.67 Miss State transfer; had 54 tackles in 2004 7th
23. DT 51 Tom Parks, Delaware, 6040 280 5.10E Buck Buchanan Award Finalist; had 15.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in 2004 7th-PFA
24. DT 90 Darrell Adams, Villanova, 6040 270 4.85E Had 10 tackles for loss and 4 sacks in 2004; needs to bulk up or move to end 7th-PFA
25. DE 90 Jacob Houston, Sacramento State, 6030 245 Had 14 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in 2004; speed is the main unknown that must be shown 7th-PFA
26. RB 22 Travis Glasford, Western Illinois, 5105 190 Great hands; Rushed for 1,080 yards and 11 TDs in 2004 7th-PFA
27. QB 7 Richie Williams, Appalachian State, 6022 187 4.60/4.70E Threw for over 3,100 yards and ran for 8 TDs; dual threat type who is raw 7th-PFA
28. QB 9 Erik Meyer, Eastern Washington, 6014 205 4.90E Threw for 3,707 yards, 31 TDs, and 9 interceptions; completed almost 68 percent of his passes PFA
29. RB 22 Nick Turner, Murray State, 5100 182 All-purpose type back; good hands PFA
30. DE 97 Adam O’Connor, William & Mary, 6070 275 5.40E Great size; Had 15.5 tackles for loss and 8 sacks PFA
31. CB Davon Telp, Towson, 5095 184 4.41/4.45 Sat out 2004 because of injuries sustained in an automobile accident: Holds school, Patriot League and NCAA single game record for returning 2 interceptions for TD’s in the same game PFA
32. FS/CB 6 Shannon James, UMASS, 5100 196 4.45 A-10 Defensive Player of the Year; had 8 picks in 2004 PFA
33. K 26 Jon Scifres, SMS, 6020 197 Finished a perfect 15 of 15 on field goals; also does a solid job of punting PFA
34. SS 24 Joey King, Portland State, 5100 205 4.40E Moving to safety from outside linebacker in 2005; had 63 stops and 5 for loss in 10 games PFA
35. QB 1 Barrick Nealy, Texas State, 6040 230 4.75E Great size; needs to improve completion percentage
36. WR/PR 2 Marquay McDaniel, Hampton, 5104 191 4.43 Great return specialist, averaged 16.9 per punt return and had 2 TDs; great speed PFA
37. OG 64 Patrick Covington, Furman, 6030 289 5.40E 2nd Team All-SoCon; good size PFA
38. CB 2 Lewis Barr, Georgia Southern, 5093 191 4.43/4.46 Had 2 picks and 3 breakups; great speed PFA
39. RB 21 Jamel Oliver, Southeast Missouri State, 6010 180 4.40 All-purpose back; good speed PFA
40. RB 6 Jermaine Austin, Georgia Southern, 5073 218 4.55/4.63 Rushed for 988 yards and 5 TDs; height will be his problem as he is a good player who is just too short PFA
41. CB Brian Staley, UTC, 5100 185 4.40/4.45E Miss State transfer; played in 6 games, JUCO All-American PFA
42. WR 2 Tavarus Morgan, South Carolina State, 5104 195 4.79/4.82 Caught 46 passes for 641 yards; needs to improve speed PFA
43. WR 3 Cory Parks, Northeastern, 5104 175 Caught 1,096 yards and 12 TDs; good speed PFA
44. RB 2 Keldrick Williams, Alabama State, 5085 203 4.55 Transferred from Tennessee prior to 2004; rushed for 1,167 yards in 2004 PFA
45. DE 85 Sean Conover, Bucknell, 6050 254 Posted 18 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks; Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year in 2004 PFA
46. FS 2 Antoine Bethea, Howard, 5100 175 Had 99 tackles and 8 breakups; good tackler who also forced 4 fumbles PFA
47. CB/SS 23 Kevin Edwards, Montana, 6020 195 Picked off 6 passes and broke up 5; great size PFA
48. QB 10 Bruce Eugene, Grambling State, 6005 283 5.18/5.23 Sat out 2004 with torn ACL; needs to lose weight PFA
49. RB 9 David Horne, Northern Iowa, 6000 200 4.40E Nebraska transfer; good speed PFA
50. OT 70 Ryan Gibbons, Northeastern, 6060 325 3rd Team All-Atlantic-10; great size PFA

[Proud Griz Man]

I am surprised to see only one offensive linemen from the Big Sky Conference. Is it a down year for O-linemen in the BSC? :confused: :(

[Josh]

I am surprised to see only one offensive linemen from the Big Sky Conference. Is it a down year for O-linemen in the BSC? :confused: :(

Yes in terms of seniors. 2 All-American candidates from the OL in the conference are too undersized to get draft looks. The top lineman is Rocky Hanni who could be the next Roos or even better. Hanni is even moving to tackle this year so he is already becoming more and more like Roos.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I'm a bit surprised Lehigh QB Mark Borda isn't listed in the Top 50. I'm also surprised that Grambling QB Bruce Eugene is ranked so low.

It will be interesting to see who Patriot League preseason POY will be. It could very well be Borda.

[colgate13]

It will be interesting to see who Patriot League preseason POY will be. It could very well be Borda.
Who else could it be? Colgate's reloading O talent, Lafayette lost McCourt, Bucknell lost Wilson... I'd be suprised if it wasn't Borda.

But, do you think he's really a top 50 draft pick?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I do feel he belongs, only because he was a Payton Award candidate last year. Same with Eugene, too (he was a Payton candidate in 2003 before he had that season-ending injury in 2004).

My personal feeling on Borda is - he's got potential to have a breakout year if he keeps working on his weaknesses. Maybe I'm just biased though.

[Cocky]

I'm surprised LaMarcus Rowell of JSU isn't on the list either. I was told he ran a high 4.4 for the scouts last week. At 6'3" 230 that fast for a lb.

[Tribe4SF]

I'm surprised LaMarcus Rowell of JSU isn't on the list either. I was told he ran a high 4.4 for the scouts last week. At 6'3" 230 that fast for a lb.

If he's running for the scouts, he's not class of 2006.

[Josh]

I'm a bit surprised Lehigh QB Mark Borda isn't listed in the Top 50. I'm also surprised that Grambling QB Bruce Eugene is ranked so low.

It will be interesting to see who Patriot League preseason POY will be. It could very well be Borda.

Borda could easily be it. Honestly though in the PL not many players are going to be rated highly and Borda may move in the top 50 but I know very little on him and I can't rate him highly if I don't know as much on him as everyone else plus I saw him once and he is a FA type I thought.

[Josh]

I do feel he belongs, only because he was a Payton Award candidate last year. Same with Eugene, too (he was a Payton candidate in 2003 before he had that season-ending injury in 2004).

My personal feeling on Borda is - he's got potential to have a breakout year if he keeps working on his weaknesses. Maybe I'm just biased though.

Being on the Payton list does not make you a pro prospect. That is picked based on stats. Matt Dougherty will agree with me I am sure that just because your an All-American does not mean your one of the top prospects. Look at Cletis Gordon. He is the top prospect for sure and he was only 2nd team all-swac. If you went by Payton and Buchanan lists you wouldn't rank him at all and he is the top prospect according to the NFL and myself.

[eagleskins]

No Terrence McBride? It seems like he should be higher than Barr.

[Josh]

If he's running for the scouts, he's not class of 2006.

Actually juniors are running on their own separate day. Rowell was close to being on the list but there is a lot of unknowns about him. He is more than likely going to be on it later on but as of now I don't think there is nearly as much about him that is known so no one will rate him that high.

[Josh]

No Terrence McBride? It seems like he should be higher than Barr.

Barr is higher than McBride due to him being a return specialist.

[youwouldno]

I think Martin could go a lot higher than the 7th round. Next year's QB class does not look too good at this point... there's Matt Leinart, and for seniors that's basically it. I guess Vince Young could declare, Tyler Palko (ugh) is OK but I forget what year he is. Martin's athleticism is elite... unlike Williams he actually has NFL average size in addition to plus speed and good escapability.

Now, obviously some I-A QBs will have good years and be ahead of any I-AA QBs in the draft. But if Martin performs well during the year and in workouts/the combine, etc. afterwords, he could rise rapidly.

[ngineer]

I do feel he belongs, only because he was a Payton Award candidate last year. Same with Eugene, too (he was a Payton candidate in 2003 before he had that season-ending injury in 2004).

My personal feeling on Borda is - he's got potential to have a breakout year if he keeps working on his weaknesses. Maybe I'm just biased though.

The one thing about Borda that could hurt him as far as draft potential is his size--not really that tall. He's also not the most mobile, although he'll take off now and then, he's not a natural runner. I agree he'll be the preseason offensive player based on what everyone else has.

However, I think Kaloma Cardwell at safety is potentially NFL caliber. Needs to put on some more weight, but he hits a ton--a 'Dawkins' type of safety. Assuming his fractured leg is rehabed well, I see him as a strong Buchannan
Candidate.

[bonarae]

Hmmm... I don't see any Ivy prospects in the list. Hartigan? Dawson? Or will they be in the class of 2007?

[Josh]

I think Martin could go a lot higher than the 7th round. Next year's QB class does not look too good at this point... there's Matt Leinart, and for seniors that's basically it. I guess Vince Young could declare, Tyler Palko (ugh) is OK but I forget what year he is. Martin's athleticism is elite... unlike Williams he actually has NFL average size in addition to plus speed and good escapability.

Now, obviously some I-A QBs will have good years and be ahead of any I-AA QBs in the draft. But if Martin performs well during the year and in workouts/the combine, etc. afterwords, he could rise rapidly.

I have Martin ahead of Williams. Williams is a marginal draft pick type and Martin is going to get drafted for sure. I do think Martin rises. Right now he is a 7th round grade but I think after his pro day and the first few games when he churns out big numbers he will rise. I project 4th-5th when all is said and done.

[Josh]

Hmmm... I don't see any Ivy prospects in the list. Hartigan? Dawson? Or will they be in the class of 2007?

Dawson is 2007. Hartigan will make the list when he actually runs a 40. I think he will be a PFA at the end of the season but if he runs a 4.6 then no matter how good he is he will never see the top 40. I do like Dawson a lot. He will be a top 10 prospect in 2007.

[Josh]

This is not the final top 50 for the preseason but just an initial look. I will do the top 20 for the I-AA.org magazine and add more info and change the ratings. This is just a tidbit of what is to come in the magazine. So make sure to get your copy this year!!

[Tribe4SF]

Glad to see Adam O'Connor on the list. He is a beast and is now 6'7" and 285 and still getting bigger.

If you list kickers, Greg Kuehn should be on the list. A-10 special teams POY who will break A-10 field goal record this year. Great height and range to his kicks. Had string of 99 consecutive PATs.

[Josh]

Glad to see Adam O'Connor on the list. He is a beast and is now 6'7" and 285 and still getting bigger.

If you list kickers, Greg Kuehn should be on the list. A-10 special teams POY who will break A-10 field goal record this year. Great height and range to his kicks. Had string of 99 consecutive PATs.

He is probably 2nd or 3rd among I-AA kickers. Scifres was perfect on his kicks last year. He has to be first now but Greg is certainly close.

[GannonFan]

19. WR 2 Toby Ziegler, NW State,


Toby Ziegler??? Isn't he still working for the Bartlett White House in West Wing??? I guess he could go pro in football if Jimmy Smits loses to Alan Alda this fall. :)

[TexasTerror]

Two Bearkats. I really think Mickulec is a stud and is going to have a great year this coming season. He's been solid every year and finds a way to get to the ball. I'm sure some NFL talent will like that.

FYI, he played at Canton (Tx) High School where that coach was attacked by that parent.

[CatFan22]

Travis Lulay.

[Calilumber]

Bruce Branch NAU (LB)

[Coastal89]

Swami, have you heard of or seen any interest in Maurice Simpkins MLB, or Kelvin McKiver DE from Coastal Carolina?

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

No James Vernon Southern University WR. :confused:

[Tribe4SF]

Another to watch is Chris Ndubueze of W&M. 6'1" 237 outside linebacker. All A-10 last year. Good speed and intensity. Won't turn 20 years old til next fall. Played as a true freshman when he was 16.

[Josh]

Those coastal players will get looks. There is nothing out there on them so their pro days will make them or break them.

Vernon's 40 will determine if he is top 50. I have Vernon, those Coastal guys, and about 10 other players very close to the top 50 and just waiting on their pro day results before I rank them. I don't like ranking someone who I don't know a lot on or haven't heard much from the NFL on either.

[ncbears]

I like that you put Reed Doughty on that list. He's the bleepin man!

[kats89]

Swami,

I see Marcus Mikulec is projected 6th right now. Do you feel he has a strong upside and could move up even more? With Sam Houston switching to a 4-3 defense this year, I look for him to have a big year in '05.

[Josh]

He could move up but he will have to be a little more productive. If I remember correct he had 99 tackles in 14 games. He will need step it up but his size and speed make him legit. Once I interview him I will update anything on him that is new.

[SUjagTILLiDIE]

Those coastal players will get looks. There is nothing out there on them so their pro days will make them or break them.

Vernon's 40 will determine if he is top 50. I have Vernon, those Coastal guys, and about 10 other players very close to the top 50 and just waiting on their pro day results before I rank them. I don't like ranking someone who I don't know a lot on or haven't heard much from the NFL on either.
All im saying if you have Celtis Gordon rated no.1 James Vernon should be above him. I have the tape of the matchup if you want it. Gordon tryed to cover him but Vernon ended up with like 200 yards.

[Tribe4SF]

Another Tribe prospect.

Stephen Cason 6' 202 Corner Back. 4.4 speed and tremendous strength. Came back last year after missing '03 with broken neck from near fatal car crash. All A-10 in'04.

[Josh]

All im saying if you have Celtis Gordon rated no.1 James Vernon should be above him. I have the tape of the matchup if you want it. Gordon tryed to cover him but Vernon ended up with like 200 yards.

Actually I do not doubt that but Gordon's ability to play WR and return kicks makes him the top guy according to most NFL teams and I would have to agree at this point but after pro day results are out that could change. We will then know the speed of everyone and their athletic ability.

[blackfordpu]

Swami,
What info do you have on Roberts from SHSU? I know he is fast, tall and can catch but what can he do to help himself in the draft this season?

[Josh]

He needs to bulk up to 250 at least. He also needs to work on his technique in his blocks and just become more technical.

[Kill'em]

Barr is higher than McBride due to him being a return specialist.
I hope you refer to the term "return specialist" loosely. If NFL personnel see any of his returns on film he can kiss his NFL future goodbye.

[JMU2004]

didn't Cason get burned by Boxley twice last year?

I didn't think he was pro material, but thats based on limited observation

[Tribe4SF]

I believe it was Richard Riley (the other corner) who got burned. Last year was a slow return for Cason. He was used alot at a nickel position and really didn't get back to form til late in the year. His redshirt Freshman year showed his potential and he looked terrific this spring. He is definitely a prospect and may be viewed as a safety rather than at corner.

Cason holds position records at W&M in the 40 (4.37 secs.), the hang clean (315 lbs.) and the back squat (585 lbs.). He was fourth last year with 74 tackles and had 7.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 8 pass break-ups and 1 INT which he returned 62 yds. for a TD to trigger the comeback against Delaware (pictured below).