MSU prospects in the 2005 draft

[policyvote]

Hey all. Since there are no headliine-grabbing first-round MSU prospects, I thought I'd enlighten you all on what kind of players your favorite team might be getting with that fourth- or fifth-round pick.

 

RB DeAndra Cobb: Anyone who saw the MSU-U of M game this year saw what an explosive talent this guy is--he racked up 205 yards on 22 carries, joining TJ Duckett as the only Spartan backs in history to hang 200+ yards on the Wolverines. Buried on the depth chart at RB, Cobb was a force as a kick returner, taking back four kickoffs for TDs in his two-year stint as returner. Boasting mid-4.3 speed, he's a legit gambreaking threat. On the season, he racked up 728 yards on only 96 carries, and 1,607 total all-purpose yards. He's a little undersized (generously listed at 5'-10", 197), and unfortunately he did not see many carries in his career here, so it's not like he has a long track record of carrying a load full-time. If he had another year of eligibility, he'd return as the starter, however he has to enter this years' draft, with most teams viewing him as a return specialist. However, I think Cobb has the burst and vision to be very effective as a back in the NFL, in the Warrick Dunn mold. He's especially lethal on draws. Whoever gets Cobb will not only get a dangerous return man, but a very interesting RB prospect as well.

 

Dave Rayner, K: He'll probably be the first Spartan taken. I can't recall off the top of my head what the longest FG he's hit in a game situation is, but this guy has a sixty-plus-yard leg. Kickoffs going through the uprights were a regular occurence with him, and he's been NFL-ready since his freshman year. He's had some occasional accuracy issues; he'll split the uprights on a 55-yarder (with distance to spare), and then biff a chip shot on the next series. However, my suspicion is that an NFL special teams coach will be able to iron that inconsistency out. Even with the occasional squib, Rayner is still an NFL-ready kicker with plenty of upside.

 

Clifford Dukes, DE: His production fell off his senior year (along with the rest of the MSU defense), mostly thanks to a groin injury. He flashed a lot of potential his junior year, racking up 57 tackles and 7 sacks (second-team All Big Ten). He's a little on the light side for a DEl (6'-3", 258), but he's strong for his size. With his diminshed production last year, I don't expect him to be drafted highly (or even at all), but he is a project with pass-rush potential.

 

Jason Harmon, S Harmon led the team in tackles his junior year and in interceptions his senior year. He's a hard worker and a team leader, with great attitude. At 5'-11", 209, he's not huge, and he only runs about a 4.8 40. He is a liability in pass coverage situations, and probably doesn't have the tools to be a starter in the NFL. However, in a cover-2 defense he could be a valuable role player, and will probably be a special teams standout.

 

Kevin Vickerson, DT Vick (as he's known) really flew under the radar last year. At 6'-4", 300, he's got natural burst and pass rush ability. He's an excellent athlete with a big frame; even at 300 he looks pretty chiseled. He led the Spartans in sacks, tackles for loss, and QB hits in his senior season. His numbers would have been better if the other DT, Matthias Askew, hasn't left early last year (4th round, Bengals). As it was, Vick had no protection from double teams, but he still managed to produce. I think Vick is the Spartan with the most value; he'll probably go sixth round or later, maybe even undrafted, but he has the body and athleticism to make an impact at the next level.

 

Peace

policy

[GOB1]

Who cares???

[General Itals]

Football fans who have more than 157 posts on this forum?

 

edit to add: Opps, I just saw your college affiliation. I look forward to your analysis of U of M hopefuls.

Edited April 20, 2005 by General Itals

[GOB1]

How many DIV I schools are there? Can hardly wait to read about somebody nobody ever heard of. Thats my point. Posting A Msu propects list, on a National board. Come on. UM homer or not.

[BigTen]

Any post about MSU =

 

Good post policy

[Los Gigantes]

dynasty owners with 12 round rookie drafts love this stuff.