The article goes on to say,

For those of you wondering if its ethical for agents to be talking to players before their season is finished — it’s perfectly legal and just part of the game. The NCAA has no problem with sports agents using social networking tools.

While it is true that the NCAA has no problem with Camper’s action, it is important to remember that the NCAA is not the only body that regulates the sports agent profession.  Agents need also be concerned with state and federal statutes.  Importantly, states that have signed onto the UAAA prohibit an agent from initiating contact with a student-athlete unless registered with those states.  Interestingly, Michigan is 1 of 3 states that have existing, non-UAAA laws designed to regulate athlete agents.

So Camper should be fine, but had he or another agent written the same message on an athlete’s wall in another state bound by the UAAA (or a variation thereof), a picky regulating body could take action against that agent.

Yesterday, I received word that Joel Segal of Blue Equity Sports Television (BEST) has signed Brandon Graham and Brandon Minor.

Both players just finished their senior seasons with the University of Michigan football team.  A 5-7 win/loss record is no flashy way to exit college football, but at least it was a better record than they boasted in 2008 (3-9).  The Rich Rod era is not off to the best of starts.

Anyway, with Michigan not headed to a bowl game, Graham and Minor are permitted to officially select their agents, and apparently they decided to stay blue, signing with Blue Equity and Joel Segal.

Graham (who has already committed to playing in the Senior Bowl) has recorded 29.5 career sacks and 56 career tackles for a loss as a Wolverine, and impressively had 10.5 sacks in 12 games played in 2009.  Minor (currently committed to play in the Shrine Game) led Michigan in rushing in 2008 and 2009.  This year he racked up 502 yards on 96 attempts.  Minor scores 8 touchdowns out of those 96 touches.  NFLDraftScout.com ranks Graham as the best outside linebacker in the country, and a future first round pick.  The site claims that Minor is the 7th best running back available and that he will be taken off the board in the 4th or 5th round.  Any agency would be ecstatic about having the chance to represent either of the former Wolverines.

So how did Joel Segal land both of the future draft picks?  That is actually a very interesting story.  Segal had to survive a vetting process handed by a couple of Jewish Michigan undergrad students: Jordan Klein and a kid with the last name Sillman.  Graham and Minor spend the Jewish Holidays with the two Jewish students.  Maybe they would enjoy reading my Shabbat Shalom: Friday Wrap-Up column.

Neil Stratton of InsideTheLeague.com received a much lengthier explanation than I did on how it all went down.  Here are is my synopsis:

• The players asked Klein and Sillman to find them the agents who would be the best fit.  Criteria = track record, previous contracts, their reputations around the league, and their chemistry with the player.
• Klein and Sillman did not get paid to help out the players.
• Agencies contacted included Athletes First, Priority Sports, BEST and the Tollners.  Agencies researched = Rosenhaus Sports and CAA.
• The players themselves only met with 3 agencies – Joel Segal of BEST, Jeremiah Donati of Steinberg Sports, and Lamont Smith of All-Pro Sports (which was essentially done as a favor to Graham’s father).
• Why BEST and Joel Segal won out – It was small enough where the players would not get overlooked, but had the same resources as the biggest firms.
• Klein and Sillman are now interviewing financial planners for the players.

Another cool feature that Daily Tailgate is currently running is a $100,000 BCS Challenge.  If you are able to correctly pick the college football teams that will end up in the top 15 of the final BCS standings and also place them in the proper order of ranking, you will win $100,000 courtesy of the website and its happy insurance backers.

I am close with a few of the gentlemen behind the Daily Tailgate concept, and decided I would lend them my final 15 picks with short 1-liners following each selection.  The result is below, but may also be seen on today’s DT Current Issue.

The NFL’s Junior Rule prohibits NFLPA advisors from communicating with a college athlete or any person in a position to influence that college athlete until said player is eligible for the NFL Draft.  From April 10, 2007 until March 25, 2009, the prohibition lasted until an underclassman who applied for special eligibility was placed on the NFL’s official published list that goes out in the middle of January each year.  But now, agents can start contacting early entries a little bit sooner.

As of March 25, 2009, the NFLPA is allowing certified agents to contact potential early entries after their last regular season college or conference championship game (excluding any post-season bowl game) or December 1, whichever is later, of the college football season immediately prior to the year in which such prospective player would be eligible to apply for the NFL Draft (basically the Junior year in almost all cases).

This will allow NFLPA advisors to talk to players as much as 6 weeks earlier than they were able to in the past (according to the rules).

Defense
DE – Paul Krugar – Utah = Krugar reminds me a lot of Patrick Kerney. He has a non-stop motor and is a relentless pass rusher.
DE – Kyle Moore – USC = A big defensive end who also can play some tackle in pass rushing situations.
DT – Jarron Gilbert – San Jose State = This guy has great size/athleticism and has the frame to add on more weight. His knock is the weak competition he faced in college.
DT – Alex McGee – Purdue = A guy who was a late addition to the Senior Bowl roster, yet made an instant impact. Guys from Purdue are known for their burst off the line and this is McGee’s biggest asset. For being 6’3” 298 he can get up field in a hurry.
OLB – Lawrence Sidbury Jr. – Richmond = Can fly off the edge, not much strength but won’t get blown back either. He can be a very good situational pass rusher.
MLB – Scott McKillop – Pittsburgh = Here is a guy who gets the job done. Does everything fairly well but nothing will jump out at you. Can be a very valuable special teams player or fill in.
OLB – Zack Follett – California = A big strong guy who was very productive in college. He also showed surprising athleticism at the combine (37 inch vert, 4.7 40).
CB – Victor “Macho” Harris – Virginia Tech = Macho is a guy that many people don’t feel can succeed in the NFL. This guy has very good instincts, is extremely versatile and could possibly play safety. His size and straight line speed are a concern. He needs to get in a zone scheme.
CB – Kevin Barnes – Maryland = One of the top performers at the combine, had a great pro day, and has very intriguing size (6’0” 190). A guy who could be a better pro then college player.
SS – David Bruton – Notre Dame = I fell in love with this guy at the Senior Bowl, and he didn’t disappoint at the combine either. A big physical safety that will crush opponents coming across the middle, has the range to defend the pass and excellent size (6’2” 219).
FS – Chip Vaughn – Wake Forest = 6’1” 221 of solid rock. This guy is a two year starter on a defense that featured Aaron Curry as well as Alphonso Smith. Vaughn was the “other” guy making big plays in big situations for the Demon Deacons last season.

Bonus Player – WR Mike Thomas – Arizona = An absolute burner who runs crisp routes and has good hands. I love him as a slot receiver on the next level as well as a dynamic kick returner.

Defeating the number #1 team in the nation in the fifth most watched regular season game in history to advance to a #2 national ranking, and finishing the season with a share of a division title are accomplishments that almost any college football program would love to have.  Most programs would likely do anything to keep the man that lead them there; however, Texas Tech is on the verge of losing the captain of its high powered passing attack. Mike Leach’s offensive attack and football philosophy has introduced Tech to a national spotlight that the program has never experienced before.  Under his tenure, coach Leach has produced award wining offenses, quarterbacks, and the nation’s first-ever two time Biletnikoff winner, Michael Crabtree.  Leach and his revolutionary coaching style have been featured in both the New York Times and 60 minutes. Leach has also garnered the support of celebrities such as Donald Trump.  The Red Raiders success has been steadily improving over Leach’s time with 9 straight bowl appearances.  Leach’s interest in pirate history has developed a pop culture phenomenon in Lubbock.  Next to every Tech flag flying in the West Texas wind is a pirate flag.  In fact, the school’s band conducted several half time performances to a pirate theme, and many students are proud to call themselves members of Leach’s pirate school.  In anticipation for their match up against the then ranked #1 Texas Longhorns, several thousand students camped out in front of the stadium, establishing their colony of fans and a new tradition at Texas Tech known as Raiderville.  The Raiderville campers were not the only fans competing for prime space.  Hotel rooms in Lubbock were booked and many late arrivals were forced to stay nearly 100 miles outside of town   Despite his recent success, coach Leach and the Texas Tech administration (TTU) have been unable to negotiate a contract extension, since negotiations began over 10 months ago.

April 16, 2008: Leach’s representatives from International Marketing Group (IMG) contacted the TTU administration asking to negotiate an extension on Leach’s current contract; however, the administration preferred to wait until the end of the 2008 season.  After the Red Raiders dream season that any other year would have resulted in a BCS bowl appearance, TTU offered Leach a 5 year extension at $12.1 million dollars.  The negotiations then began in typical fashion as IMG counter offered with $14.25 million dollars over 5 years; however, after Tech’s loss to Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowl, TTU counter offered with $12.7 million dollar base salary with $600,000 in bonus.  Leach and IMG explained that the base salary offered by the TTU administration was “acceptable,” but 4 other points of the contract became an issue.

1. Penalty for Interviewing without permission. TTU requested that Leach ask permission to interview for future opportunities, and if he is denied permission but still contacts the other employer, TTU can terminate him with cause.  In this situation, Leach would owe the university, 1.5 Million (Similar to Boston College situation).
2. The amount of money Leach would receive if fired without cause by TTU. Under his current contract Leach would receive around 40% of his guaranteed money if fired without cause, about the lowest in the Big 12; however, under TTU’s latest offer, Leach would only receive about 11.7% of the guaranteed money, the lowest in the nation among D1 coaches.
3. Leach’s buy out clause. Under the current agreement, Leach has $500,000 buyout clause, $240,000 below the Big 12 average for coaches.  In the new offer, TTU would require Leach to agree to a $1.5 million dollar buyout.
4. Leach’s personal property rights. As it stands now, Leach controls his own personal property rights, but TTU’s new offer gives the university control of these same rights.

TTU explained that their reasoning behind the penalty for interviewing clause was a result of IMG shopping Leach around for other coaching positions and denying it in the past.  IMG then offended the TTU administration by sending an email to the Board of Regents but leaving out the University President, Athletic Director, and the Chancellor, arguing that IMG has not shopped Leach around.  Since then, TTU has given IMG and Leach until February 17^th to agree to these terms.  In an attempt to reach some middle ground, IMG has countered by offering to work under the same clauses as Leach’s current contract, with a $500,000 buyout agreement and 40% compensation if terminated without cause to remain, despite the fact that the 40% is about the lowest in the Big 12.  Leach and Tech have operated well under those terms for 4.5 years.  IMG cited their research and felt that these offers were comparable to other Big 12 Coaches and very reasonable.  However, the TTU administration declined the offer and restated its position that Leach had until the 17^th of February to accept the offered contract.

TTU’s decision to maintain its stated reservation point (walk away point) and give Leach an ultimatum is considered a power technique in the world of negotiations.  In this adversarial approach, a party treats the process as a zero sum game in which one side’s gain is another side’s loss, or put in other words, there must be a winner and a loser in the end.  Using this mind frame has some benefits, but if used at the wrong time or in bad faith, can severally impede a negotiation.  Power tactics can work if the party making the move convinces his opponent that his walk away point is lower than they believe it is; this would occur if TTU successfully argues to IMG that Leach’s value is worth less than IMG first believes.  Conversely, using a power move can negatively effect your reputation, and the party making the move will be seen as uncooperative.  This may cause your current business partner or future candidates to avoid conducting business with you because your reputation precedes you.  Also, power tactics can offend the other party when they interpret the move as unfair or contrary to the norms of that business.  Finally, if a party uses a power move but misjudges the other side’s walk away point, than the negotiation will likely end in an impasse (where no negotiation is reached).  For instance if TTU believes that IMG and Leach’s walk away point is below the offer presented, but they misjudge this estimation, Leach will pass on the offer no agreement will be reached.

In the present case, the TTU administration only cites fairness between TTU and Leach for its reason to offer Leach a contract that contains clauses below the Big 12 average.  TTU explained in a statement that Leach’s latest offer is not fair because Leach would be able to quit in the first year and only owe the university $500,000 while the University would be required to pay Leach $4.4 million of it if it chose to terminate Leach in that same year.  This statement however, contradicts TTU’s previous statements that they were committed to having Leach be their coach in the future.  If this is the case, TTU would not have any reason to terminate Leach’s contract without cause in the next few seasons.  By making a fairness argument, TTU is inferring that terminating coach Leach without cause after next year is an option, which conflicts with the idea that they are committed to retaining Leach as the future coach of TTU football.  Saying one thing and doing another may create a reputation of being uncooperative for the TTU administration.

The Red Raiders have already felt some of the backlash from this long, drawn out process, with losses of top ranked recruit Emory Blake and Tech’s best recruiter and running backs coach Seth Littrell.  Both Blake and Littrell cited the contract issues as affecting their decisions.  Additionally, where Raider fans anticipate a disappointing season, TTU will likely suffer in the number of season tickets sold and the number of sold out games in a stadium that just began one of two more expansion plans.   TTU must be aware that they are making a decision that affects the football program, the fans, and future of all Texas Tech athletics.  TTU may have invoked these power tactics because they were so offended by IMG’s emails or maybe it’s their inexperience in negotiating a high profile contract, but their methods of negotiation will likely result in an impasse, can possibly severe the idea of future contract extension with Tech’s soon to be winningest coach ever, and create a reputation as an uncooperative party to future coaches.  As the February 17^th deadline approaches (tonight), Leach will likely turn down TTU’s offer and coach under his existing contract as a lame duck coach.  For the sake of the program and all the fans, hopefully at the end of the 2009 season, the administration and Leach will approach the negotiation table in a different fashion, or Leach will feel the administration does not respect his accomplishments and leave on his own accord.

(Also check out Thorn’s Big Board)

Round 1

1. Detroit – QB Matthew Stafford ~ Georgia = If the Lions feel that Stafford is the best player in the draft then they need to do everything they can to get a deal done and draft the kid. I’ve said it before, Stafford’s inconsistency and tendency to disappear in certain situations scares me a little bit. What can’t be ignored is his ability to make every throw on the football field, his great size, and smarts. From all the interviews I’ve seen he comes off as very level headed yet intelligent, which is something you need in a quarterback. I say take the chance on the lineman and lower your chances of a bust, but if they can reach a contract agreement with Stafford he’s the pick.

Agency Representation = CAA

2. St. Louis – OT Jason Smith ~ Baylor = Unless the Rams have another franchise left tackle there hiding somewhere, they have a huge hole at the most critical line position (especially for a right handed quarterback). Smith is a “new wave” tackle with incredible athleticism and strength. He also plays with a vengeance and can really dominate people. With the departure of OT Orlando Pace, the only question is if it’s going to be Smith or Eugene Monroe.

Agency Representation = CAA

3. Kansas City – WR Michael Crabtree ~ Texas Tech = The loss of a big time receiving threat TE Tony Gonzalez further enhances their need for weapons in the passing game. Head Coach Todd Haley was very successful with two dynamic receivers in Arizona and WR Michael Crabtree is a lot like what Haley had in Arizona with WR Larry Fitzgerald. Paired with WR Dwayne Bowe, this could be all the Chiefs need for the next 5-8 years as far as receivers go. Passing up on maybe the safest pick in the draft LB Aaron Curry will be difficult, but selecting a LB better suited for a 4-3 this high is a slight reach no matter how good he is.

Agency Representation = Maximum Sports

4. Seattle -.OT Eugene Monroe ~ Virginia = Seattle could select the best player on the board here (Crabtree) but they may feel like they did enough this off-season to address the receiver position for another year. Eugene has come from a school rich in tradition, he has great size (6′5″ 309), and has a solid all around skill set. With future hall of famer LT Walter Jones to learn from, the chance to start at right tackle for a year, and an excellent system for his pass blocking skills to shine, this would be a very smart pick for the Seahawks.

Agency Representation = 320 Sports

5. Cleveland – LB Aaron Curry ~ Wake Forest = Cleveland could go Orakpo or Raji here, but if Curry slips to them they would be very tempted to pick him up. Curry is regarded as the safest pick in the draft as well as the best overall prospect. He could form arguably the best duo in the league at middle linebacker with ILB D’Qwell Jackson while also lining up outside and rushing the passer. He certainly has the athleticism to do so.

Agency Representation = Octagon

6. Cincinnati – OT/OG Andre Smith ~ Alabama = The Bengals have to protect their franchise quarterback Carson Palmer and develop some kind of running game. Big Andre can come in and start at right tackle, leaving LT Levi Jones one more shot at playing left. Andre was the best lineman in college football last year so getting him here would be a great draft pick by Cincinnati. At 6′4″ 335, Smith is the definition of a mauler and will open up some serious lanes in the running game.

Agency Representation = GMG Football

7. Oakland -  DE Brian Orakpo ~ Texas = Oakland is a very hard team to predict because of owner Al Davis’s infatuation with measurables. Orakpo not only has very impressive measurables, he is the top prospect on the board. I really think if the draft plays out this way, the Raiders should go ahead and take Orakpo. The 2008 unanimous 1^st team All-American was stellar last year for the Longhorns. At 6′4″ 263, Orakpo posted a 38.5 inch vertical, 31 reps of 225, and a 4.70 40 at the combine. All these things I’m sure have impressed owner Al Davis, and Head Coach Tom Cable, being a former offensive line coach, will want to take the guy who can get after the quarterback. WR Jeremy Maclin is another strong possibility here.

Agency Representation = CAA

8. Jacksonville - DT/NT B.J. Raji ~ Boston College = This is something I have rarely seen among mock drafts but makes way too much sense to not be considered seriously. The Jaguars were at their best when they had TWO dominant defensive tackles anchoring the defensive side of the ball. Right now DT John Henderson is 30 years old and wearing down and DT Rob Meier isn’t scaring anybody. The Jaguars were around Raji at the Senior Bowl and they know what he can do. With the reporting signing of WR Torry Holt, the only receiver I can see them taking here is WR Michael Crabtree, if he happened to fall this far. Raji would elevate their entire defense, especially being alongside DT John Henderson.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

9. Green Bay -  OLB/DE Aaron Maybin ~ Penn State = The Packers made the switch to the 3-4 this past off-season and only have one player who can adequately fill the role as a pass rusher (Aaron Kampman). Kampman is nearly 30 years old and much better suited for the 4-3, so selecting Maybin here makes a lot of sense. Maybin can absolutely fly off the football and is demon like when he gets around the edge. Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers is known to run a very aggressive form of the 3-4, and with Maybin to turn lose in passing situations he can do exactly that.

Agency Representation = Blue Equity (unconfirmed)

10. San Francisco – QB Mark Sanchez ~ USC = I have made it known how I feel about Sanchez, he left a sweet taste in everybody’s mouth with his dismantling of Penn State’s secondary in his last game in college. That image has taken him far and he was very wise to declare for the draft. What San Fran would be getting with this guy is someone who already has a huge fan base in California which in this economy is definitely a factor. Aside from that he has all the makings of a great quarterback in the pros (size, arm strength, accuracy). I just am not sold on someone who started only one full season of college football.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

11. Buffalo -.DE/OLB Everette Brown ~ Florida State = The Bills have their top DE Aaron Schobal coming off a serious injury and he will be 32 years old by the time the 2009 season starts. Aside from him they have two lunch pail guys (DE’s Chris Kelsay & Ryan Denney) who are mainly just run stoppers. Brown gives them a serious boost in athleticism at defensive end, and could elevate the defense into the top half of the NFL. This opportunity will be too tempting to pass up if Brown is here.

Agency Representation = JL Sports

12. Denver - CB/S Malcolm Jenkins ~ Ohio State = When you look at Denver’s depth chart, no position besides defensive line has less depth than the secondary (with Raji, Brown, and Maybin gone none of the guys remaining merit the 12^th pick in my opinion) CB Champ Bailey is still a top two corner in football, yet he is 30 years old. We signed free agent CB Andre Goodman from Miami which was smart, but aside from these two it’s a bunch of no names. At safety we have 35 year old Brian Dawkins (who I love) & S Renaldo Hill (a 30 year old we signed from Miami as well). Jenkins is the best player left on the board and he can play either corner or safety for Denver, which makes him extremely valuable.

Agency Representation = CAA

13. Washington – LB Brian Cushing ~ USC = The Redskins are all of a sudden in need of linebackers after cutting LB Marcus Washington and DE/OLB Jason Taylor. Cushing is someone who could fill the role of outside linebacker while also being able to provide a pass rush. The signing of such a dominant force in the middle of the defense (DT Albert Haynesworth) will only enhance everyone’s play around him, especially those rushing the passer.

Agency Representation = CAA

14. New Orleans – CB Vontae Davis ~ Illinois = The Saints haven’t struck gold at corner in ages. Right now they have a whole bunch of second and third corners. Vontae has the ability to develop into a legit number 1. Questions about his character could cause him to slide down a few picks but I don’t see the Saints passing up on a guy who under the right circumstances could become an elite playmaker in the secondary.

Agency Representation = FAAM

15. Houston – RB Chris “Beanie” Wells ~ Ohio State = Houston is one of the few teams left in the NFL that does not have a dynamic second running back. RB Steve Slaton is an undersized guy who relies on his speed and quickness to get his yards; by adding Wells you add a whole new dimension to the running game which will boost an already potent offense.

Agency Representation = DeBartolo Sports

16. San Diego – DE Tyson Jackson ~ LSU = San Diego lost DE Igor Olshansky to the Cowboys and now need to replace a key cog in their 3-4 defense. Jackson is a guy many view as the ideal 3-4 end. He also provides very nice value at this position in the draft; Tyson could go as high as twelve to Denver.

Agency Representation = Maximum Sports

17. New York Jets - WR Jeremy Maclin ~ Missouri = The Jets could really use some speed in their receiving core with the loss of WR Laveranues Coles (Maclin ran a 4.43 40 at his pro day). The Jets also are really weak at receiver with only WR Jerricho Cotchery being proven. Cotchery is much more of a possession receiver as well so picking Maclin here makes a ton of sense. Maclin was one of the biggest playmakers in college football history as well. (Maclin gained 2,776 total yards as a freshman which is a NCAA record then as a sophomore he topped that and gained 2,833 total yards)

Agency Representation = CAA

18. Denver – LB Rey Maualuga ~ USC = Denver dealt their franchise quarterback and now it’s time to move on. Here they would be getting another leader for their defense to go with CB Champ Bailey. With the move to the 3-4, Denver needs a big, strong, hard hitting linebacker smack in the middle of the defense. Maualuga if not anything else, will bring great intensity and the all important intimidation factor that Denver has been lacking since MLB Al Wilson’s departure.

Agency Representation = Premier Sports

19. Tampa Bay – WR Percy Harvin ~ Florida = In Tampa under 32 year old head coach Raheem Morris, Harvin could really thrive. Despite being arguably the biggest playmaker in the draft he may fall this far due to a brief injury history and character concerns. It has been said he doesn’t get along with just anybody, but I have a feeling he would get along great with such a young head coach. Tampa is in need of some speed in their receiving core, and team period, so Harvin could sure help with that.

Agency Representation = Blue Equity

20. Detroit – OT Michael Oher ~ Ole Miss = The Lions are essentially building a new football team, so they must start from the inside. Oher has one of the greatest stories of anybody in the draft with his difficult upbringing, so you know he has the will power to succeed in the league. Aside from that, he was the best offensive lineman at the Senior Bowl,  his run blocking skills excellent and he has a very strong lower body. He may be a better fit at right tackle in the NFL, but is a legit top 20 pick regardless of which side he plays.

Agency Representation = BC Sports

21. Philadelphia – RB Knowshon Moreno ~ Georgia = The Eagles made a terrific move by trading for franchise left tackle Jason Peters. Philly has now one of the better offensive lines in the entire NFL, assuming OG Shawn Andrews comes back healthy. There is no better way to unleash your offensive line on somebody than running the football. With RB Brian Westbrook at the dreaded 30 year old mark, you can potentially get the steal of the draft here. Moreno didn’t blaze the 40 times, so it has caused him to slip in a lot of people’s minds. Turn on the film and you will see one of the most explosive, agile tailbacks to come along in years.

Agency Representation = CAA

22. Minnesota – C Alex Mack ~ Cal = By losing a franchise center in Matt Birk they just gained another to solidify them as having one of the best offensive lines in football.

Agency Representation = N/A

23. New England - LB Larry English ~ Northern Illinois = The Patriots would love to have a player like Larry English. He relies on his work ethic to get by, not just his skill set and athletic ability. He not only has these things, he seems to be in the right place at the right time on the football field which is a signal of a great football player. Head Coach Bill Belichick could put him in the best possible positions to make plays, giving him the right situation to go to as a rookie, which is critical to ANY rookie’s success.

Agency Representation = FAAM

24. Atlanta – LB Clay Matthews ~ USC = Atlanta cut both their starting outside linebackers this past off-season so OLB will be of high priority coming into the draft. Matthews although not very experienced, has great size, good speed, very good athleticism, and a rich NFL bloodline. He was a walk-on at USC and worked himself into a everyday contributor and eventually a starter. GM Thomas Dimitroff could fall in love with him and snatch him up here.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

25. Miami – CB Darius Butler ~ Connecticut = Miami doesn’t have a corner with shutdown capabilities so they will be looking hard for someone who can fill that role. Butler although only 5′9″ 185, has tremendous athletic ability. He ran a 4.38 40 and posted a 43 inch vertical at the combine. People have fallen in love with Butler, and with the AFC East’s strength of receivers, the Dolphins could feel inclined to take him.

Agency Representation = Rosenhaus Sports

26. Baltimore – TE Brandon Pettigrew ~ Oklahoma State = The Ravens don’t take very many chances when it comes to the draft. They take the best players who fit their scheme. Pettigrew is the best prospect on the board and would fit beautifully in the smash mouth offense in Baltimore. He can catch, block, and use his body very well to screen defenders. He also would be surrounded by some great leadership in Baltimore which will really help his development.

Agency Representation = Octagon

27. Colts – DT Peria Jerry ~ Ole Miss = The Colts are a team that likes quick, penetrating defensive tackles who fit the 3 technique to a tee. Jerry is exactly that type of prospect, and coming into Indianapolis he would have the opportunity to start right away.

Agency Representation = BC Sports

28. Bills – OT Eben Britton ~ Arizona = In trading away your franchise left tackle your entire offensive line takes a giant hit. This pick would soften that blow tremendously with Britton’s ability to come in and play either left or right tackle. QB Trent Edwards is going to need time to get the ball to newly acquired WR Terrell Owens. Britton is 6′6″ 310, and is equally stout vs. the run & pass.

Agency Representation = CAA

29. Giants – WR Darrius Heyward-Bey ~ Maryland = The Giants gave up on WR Plexico Burress and released him, making receiver a major need. Bey is much faster than Plex, (he ran a 4.30 40 yard dash at the combine) but he needs to work on his route running. His potential to be a big time down the field threat, paired with the huge need at receiver make Bey a likely choice here.

Agency Representation = CAA

30. Titans – WR Hakeem Nicks ~ North Carolina = Tennessee hasn’t had a receiver who they could go to on a consistent basis in years. WR Justin Gage is solid, and they recently signed WR Nate Washington from Pittsburgh. Nicks has far more talent than both of these guys, some of the best hands in the draft, and he is very physical which fits the Titans offense to a tee.

Agency Representation = All-Pro Sports

31. Cardinals – DE Robert Ayers ~ Tennessee = Arizona lost DE Antonio Smith to the Texans this off-season so they have a hole in their rotation. Ayers is an upgrade over Smith. At 6′3″ 272, Ayers is more than big and strong enough to hold up against the run. What makes him so intriguing is his ability to get around the corner and sack the quarterback. DE Bertrand Berry won’t be there much longer either, so Ayers fits a need and is the best player on the board.

Agency Representation = Eastern Athletic Svcs

32. Steelers – DT/DE Ziggy Hood ~ Missouri = Pittsburgh needs some depth on their defensive line. All three starters are over 30, and if one of them got injured (which happened last season) having a guy with Hood’s ability will only make their defense that much better. At 6′3″ 298, he has the ideal size for a 3-4 end and is stout at the point of attack.

Agency Representation = Octagon

Round 2

33. Lions – OG/C Max Unger ~ Oregon = Detroit continues to build their offensive line with the versatile Unger. He can come in and bring with him a solid all-around lineman who can be just as effective at guard as center. Detroit’s offensive line is among the worst in the league, so this pick not only has good value, but fills an important need.

Agency Representation = Yee and Dubin

34. Patriots – CB Alphonso Smith ~ Wake Forest = New England signed veteran CB Shawn Springs as well as CB Leigh Bodden, so Smith can come in and battle with these two and CB Ellis Hobbs for a starting role. This would give the Patriots excellent depth at a position they usually don’t have that at. Smith is the ACC’s all-time leader in interceptions and has great instincts.

Agency Representation = Rosenhaus Sports

35. Rams – QB Josh Freeman ~ Kansas = Marc Bulger has gotten hurt a lot lately, and with a new coaching staff, the Rams may want their own guy to develop.  Plus, Freeman can sit for a year or two in development. With his huge arm and ideal size, any new regime could feel like they would develop him into something special.

Agency Representation = CAA

36. Browns – RB Donald Brown ~ Connecticut = The Browns are in desperate need of some youth at the tailback position. Brown can come in and offer a change of pace from Jamal Lewis, bringing with him great quickness/acceleration, excellent toughness, great character and a high work ethic. In the city of Cleveland Brown would be well received and he could be very similar to RB Matt Forte in Chicago.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

37. Seahawks – LB Clint Sintim ~ Virginia = Seattle has a huge hole at linebacker now that they traded LB Julian Peterson to the Lions. Sintim can soften the blow of losing such a good player while providing a stout defender against the run. Sintim also can rush the passer because of his 3-4 background.

Agency Representation = ProFiles

38. Bengals – S Louis Delmas ~ Western Michigan = The Bengals cut starter Dexter Jackson, and have virtually a bunch of no names at safety. Delmas can come in and start right away while providing some leadership. He also will be stout versus the run, something the Bengals desperately need from their safeties.

Agency Representation = Rosenhaus Sports

39. Jaguars – OT William Beatty ~ Connecticut = The Jaguars season fell apart due to their injuries along the offensive line. They also have a laundry list of free agents across the line, so Beatty would fill their biggest need as well as providing a potential star at the position down the road. Beatty also has a strong veteran leader to learn from in newly acquired LT Tra Thomas.

Agency Representation = Perennial Sports

40. Raiders – WR Kenny Britt ~ Rutgers = One of Oakland’s biggest needs is to get a receiver for former #1 overall pick QB JaMarcus Russell. Britt is a big, physical receiver who isn’t afraid to go across the middle. He can play right away in Oakland, and work on his route running with WR Javon Walker. JaMarcus loves to throw in the middle of the field, so Britt should see a lot of balls his rookie year.

Agency Representation = FAAM

41. Packers – NT Ron Brace ~ Boston College = Brace will give them a giant plug in the middle of the line that they need with switching over to the 3-4 defense. Teamed with NT Ryan Pickett they now can more effectively make the transition.

Agency Representation = PlayersRep

42. Bills – LB James Laurinaitis ~ Ohio State = The Bills would most likely move James to the outside although they could move LB Paul Posluszny to the outside due to him being smaller than Laurinaitis, either way would give them a stout linebacking core. This is a huge slide for Laurinaitis but between skipping the Senior Bowl and not doing well at the combine, it is very possible.

Agency Representation = CAA

43. 49ers – DE/OLB Michael Johnson ~ Georgia Tech = This is a huge slide for Johnson, based on just his size/speed & athleticism he would have been drafted in the first round. This is the NFL, and his inconsistencies in college are very alarming. He could be best suited for a 3-4 OLB despite being 6′7″. In San Francisco he would have plenty of discipline, leadership around him, and the chance to contribute right away.

Agency Representation = Klass Sports

44. Dolphins – CB D.J. Moore ~ Vanderbilt = Miami will be in play for a corner either at this pick or their first rounder. This would be great value picking up Moore here. The Dolphins needs help in their secondary especially since CB Andre Goodman bolted for Denver.

Agency Representation = DeBartolo Sports

45. Giants – OLB/DE Tyrone McKenzie ~ USF = The Giants love stacking up on pass rushers and rightly so. They have had some serious injuries to key starters on the defensive line, so McKenzie can soften the blow of a potential injury while also having great potential to develop into a 10 sack player in the NFL. McKenzie’s explosion off the ball is up there with the best in the draft.

Agency Representation = Impact Sports

46. Texans – DE Paul Krugar ~ Utah = Krugar has potential to develop into the same type of player Patrick Kerney was with Atlanta. Houston recently signed Antonio Smith from Arizona, but teams love having a solid rotation at all positions especially guys who rush the passer. Krugar can allow Defensive Coordinator Frank Bush Jr. to move more guys around while having a more dynamic rotation.

Agency Representation = DEC Mgmt

47. Patriots – S Patrick Chung ~ Oregon = The Patriots have the aging Rodney Harrison who needs to be replaced. The team re-signed James Sanders, but Chung can come in alongside the rangier Brandon Merriweather and provide more of a presence in the deep half of the field, similar to a Rodney Harrison type. Chung is also versatile and can be used in many ways under Bill Bellichick.

Agency Representation = Octagon

48. Broncos – LB Connor Barwin ~ Cincinnati = Connor is exactly the player Denver needs for their newly installed 3-4 defense. Barwin lit the combine on fire displaying supreme athleticism. He can come in and give Denver a very nice trio of rush linebackers with Jarvin Moss & Elvis Dumervill.

Agency Representation = XAM Sports

49. Bears – WR Brian Robiskie ~ Ohio State = The Bears could go defense because the unit is getting up in age, but with the addition of QB Jay Cutler they need to give him another weapon. Robiskie is a guy who does everything well and could really help the transition from Denver to Chicago for Cutler.

Agency Representation = Blue Equity

50. Browns – DT/DE Jarron Gilbert ~ San Jose State = The Browns need a 4^th man for their defensive line rotation. Gilbert can come in and relieve not only NT Shaun Rogers, but DE’s Shaun Smith & Corey Williams. I wouldn’t be surprised if Gilbert took Smith’s job either. This is a big athletic kid who can afford to add another 10-15 pounds to his 288 lb. frame.

Agency Representation = Sun West Sports

51. Cowboys – S William Moore ~ Missouri = Dallas has a major need at safety. They released former first rounder S Roy Williams, and Ken Hamlin is close to retiring. Moore is a guy who could easily leapfrog some of these other safeties and come off the board first, he has great size (6′0″ 224) and great instincts. He didn’t perform up to expectations all the time in college, so the Cowboys may need to be patient with him, but could reap the benefits later.

Agency Representation = Octagon

52. Jets – RB LeSean McCoy ~ Pittsburgh = I can’t see the Jets passing on McCoy if he were to fall this far. Starting RB Thomas Jones is now the dreaded age of 30, and he already has appeared to be wearing down. Throw in the fact that he is skipping mini-camps because of a contract situation, it makes matters worse. I don’t expect Jones to be there much longer at all, and McCoy is one of the most talented running backs in the entire draft. Paired with RB Leon Washington you can have one of the more dangerous duos in the league.

Agency Representation = Rosenhaus Sports

53. Eagles – CB Coye Francies ~ San Jose State = After trading Lito Sheppard to the Jets, Philly needs a nickel corner. There is a lot to like about Francies. He is 6′0″ 188, an extremely fluid athlete, physical, and strong. He put up 24 reps of 225 at the combine to put to rest the people who doubt his strength. That is enough for me to give him a solid 2^nd round grade.

Agency Representation = Octagon

54. Vikings – CB/S Sean Smith ~ Utah = The Vikings could use another corner to come in and compete for a starting or nickel spot. Smith isn’t just any corner either; he is 6′4″ and can play safety too. Smith is a guy who could very easily go earlier in the round, but I am a little wary of 6′4″ corners (Lenny Walls). Safety would be a better fit in my opinion.

Agency Representation = DEC Mgmt

55. Falcons – DT Alex Magee ~ Purdue = Atlanta needs a big athletic defensive tackle as much as anybody in the league. Grady Jackson bolted for Detroit so there is a need for a run stuffer in the middle. Magee is 6′3″ 298 and has good quickness off the ball and can move really well for a man his size.  He can form a nice duo alongside 4 year pro Jonathan Babineaux.

Agency Representation = Maximum Sports

56. Dolphins – OG Kraig Urbik ~ Wisconsin = Miami could use a big, strong lineman with great technique on the inside. Urbik can come in and start right away and he is the prototype lineman for a Bill Parcels football team.

Agency Representation = All-Pro Sports

57. Ravens – QB/WR Pat White ~ West Virginia = White was one of the most productive players in college football history. He was a winner, and used his intangibles & speed to produce in college. These traits have the making of someone GM Ozzie Newsome would draft. Even though the team has QB Troy Smith already there, White can play more receiver, while allowing them to run the wildcat to perfection.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

58. Patriots – OG Andy Levitre ~ Oregon State = New England along with about 75% of teams could use more depth along their offensive line. Levitre is a guy who played tackle in college so he will be able to supplement more than one position for the Pats. He played pretty well at guard when I saw him at the Senior Bowl and has impressed many scouts since.

Agency Representation = Domann & Pittman

59. Panthers – CB Jairus Byrd ~ Oregon = Carolina cut starting CB Ken Lucas and now are very thin at corner. Byrd is a legitimate second round prospect who has great size (5′10″ 207) and is a big-time playmaker. He is second all-time in Oregon’s history with 17 interceptions. This first team All-Pac 10 guy can compete for a starting spot in Carolina and give them a special teams threat to go with it.

Agency Representation = Maximum Sports

60. Giants – S Rashad Johnson ~ Alabama = The Giants lost S James Butler in the off-season and need a replacement. Johnson would compliment rangy, big hitting S Kenny Phillips well because of his leadership and coverage ability.

Agency Representation = Athletic Resource Mgmt

61. Colts – C Eric Wood ~ Louisville = With veteran C Jeff Saturday being 34 by next season as well as an unrestricted free agent, this will soften the blow if they decide to let Saturday walk. Wood is another high character, high motor guy with great technique who can be the type of leader the Colts need from the center position.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

62. Titans – TE Shawn Nelson ~ Southern Miss = Tennessee would love to get a tight end to develop behind the 28 year old Bo Scaife. Nelson can add another dimension to the Titans offense. He is still raw but the reward for this selection could be huge. He would have time to play second fiddle for a year or two and work on his blocking, before stepping into the starting role.

Agency Representation = Blue Equity

63. Cardinals – RB Mike Goodson ~ Texas A&M = Arizona needs some insurance at the tailback spot with veteran Edgerrain James on his last legs. Teamed with RB Tim Hightower, Goodson can provide the speed Hightower lacks. People will like the fact that Goodson didn’t get many carries in college so he most likely won’t break down anytime soon.

Agency Representation = MS World LLC

64. Steelers – OT Phil Loadholt ~ Oklahoma = Pittsburgh lost LT Marvel Smith to the 49ers so they will be looking for a starting caliber tackle to come in opposite T Max Starks. Loadholt is a very intriguing prospect at 6′8″ 343 pounds and under the right coaching, could develop into a solid starter in the league.

Agency Representation = Premier Sports

Round 3

65. Lions – WR Mohamad Massaquoi ~ Georgia = Massaquoi has shot up the draft boards ever since the college season ended. He had a very productive senior season at Georgia and has the rep of being hard working and a great teammate. Adding Matthew Stafford’s favorite target from college wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially considering how weak the Lions are at receiver aside from superstar WR Calvin Johnson.

Agency Representation = Ayrault Sports Agency

66. Rams – TE Jared Cook ~ South Carolina = St. Louis has the aging TE Randy McMichael as their starter. Cook can come in and battle for a starting spot, while bringing with him speed that wasn’t there with McMichael. This is a great pick for value as well as depth.

Agency Representation = Domann & Pittman

67. Chiefs – TE Chase Coffman ~ Missouri = The Chiefs traded away their pro bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez, so Coffman could come in and provide a similar red zone threat being 6′6″ 266. He would be given the chance to start and Head Coach Todd Haley’s offense fits Coffman well.

Agency Representation = CAA

68. Seahawks – CB/S Sherrod Martin ~ Troy = Seattle will be very tempted to select someone with as much versatility as Martin. New Head Coach Jim Mora Jr. is a former secondary coach who would love to bring in Martin who was a fantastic player at Troy. His best fit is most likely at safety and with the aging S Brian Russell there, they can have a solid replacement with this pick.

Agency Representation = Enter-Sports

69. Cowboys – OG Duke Robinson ~ Oklahoma = Dallas needs to get younger on the offensive line and owner Jerry Jones loves the inside guys to be able to run block which is Robinson’s specialty. He has great size and strength and fills a need for the Cowboys.

Agency Representation = Impact Sports

70. Bengals – RB Shonn Greene ~ Iowa = Cincinnati hasn’t had a quality tailback since RB Rudy Johnson left. Greene is a guy with a low center of gravity, excellent balance, and very good strength (23 reps of 225). He also ran a 4.55 in the 40 yard dash at his pro day and posted a 39.5 inch vertical. Greene also was the only running back in college football last year to run for at least 100 yards in every game, a testament to his durability.

Agency Representation = Octagon

71. Raiders – WR Ramses Barden ~ Cal-Poly = Oakland needs a replacement for departed WR Ronald Curry. Barden is 6′6″ 229 and ran a 4.51 at his pro day which is something the Raiders I’m sure love. Barden needs to improve his route running, but at least in Oakland he will get a chance to start.

Agency Representation = Octagon

72. Jaguars – CB Victor “Macho” Harris ~ Virginia Tech = Macho is one of my favorite players this year because of his incredible instincts and amazing quickness. Macho ran a 3.98 short shuttle at the combine which ranked second overall. At 5′11″ 198 he has good size as well. With the 4.46 40 yard dash he ran at his pro day he has solidified himself going at worst, in the third round. The Jaguars need more depth at corner especially after the disaster CB Drayton Florence was for them last season.

Agency Representation = Octagon

73. Packers – TE Cornelius Ingram ~ Florida = Green Bay could use more of a receiving threat at the tight end position. Current TE Donald Lee is a solid all-around player, but Ingram is much more talented catching the football. Ingram also ran a 4.68 in the 40 yard dash at the combine. He will give QB Aaron Rodgers another weapon in the middle of the field and could develop into a player that suggests he should’ve been drafted much higher than the 3^rd round.

Agency Representation = Rosenhaus Sports

74. 49ers – OLB Lawrence Sidbury Jr. ~ Richmond = San Francisco would like to form a solid trio of pass rushers for their 3-4 defense. Adding Sidbury would give them a guy with great burst off the line of scrimmage. Sidbury ran a 4.64 in the 40 at the combine and posted 28 reps of 225 on the bench press which was surprising because he has been known as strictly a pass rusher.

Agency Representation = SportsStars

75. Bills – TE James Casey ~ Rice = Buffalo doesn’t have a legitimate starting tight end anywhere on the roster. Casey flew under the radar in his collegiate career playing for Rice but is one of the more talented receiving tight ends in the entire draft. He is more like a big receiver at 6′3″ 246 pounds but Casey also is a very talented baseball player as well (he was drafted in the 7^th round in 2003 by the White Sox) and can add another dimension to Buffalo’s new look offense.

Agency Representation = Select Sports Group

76. Jets – DT Roy Miller ~ Texas =  Miller would be a nice fit as a 3-4 end or nose tackle in Rex Ryan’s scheme because of a few reasons. First, he was extremely productive in his four year career at Texas even earning defensive MVP of the 2009 Fiesta Bowl. At 6′1″ 310 pounds Miller threw up 36 reps of 225 and posted a very impressive 36 inch vertical.

Agency Representation = Priority Sports

77. Texans – CB Kevin Barnes ~ Maryland = Houston doesn’t have good depth at corner. Barnes has increased his stock dramatically with his 4.45 at his pro day and 41 inch vertical. He also posted the fastest short shuttle time out of anybody at the combine (3.96). At 6′0″ 190 pounds he has the measurables to be special. He also has shown he can deliver the big hit which is a rare commodity for a corner.

Agency Representation = FAAM

78. Chargers – OT Jamon Meredith ~ South Carolina = San Diego needs to have more depth at tackle so if/when an injury occurs they aren’t in such a rough position like they were so often last year. Meredith is a player who is balanced in pass pro as well as run blocking and has great value here in the 3^rd.

Agency Representation = ProFiles

79. Broncos – S Chip Vaughn ~ Wake Forest = Denver needs all the help they can get in their secondary, especially for the future. Vaughn often was overshadowed in college because of LB Aaron Curry & CB Alphonso Smith, but he can make an impact somewhere in the NFL. He is 6′1″ 226 and really loves to hit. Not being a liability in coverage would be his only issue, but he certainly would have the right veterans and coaches around him to get him up to speed to the NFL game.

Agency Representation = Goal Line Sports

80. Redskins – OT Fenuki Tupou ~ Oregon = Washington desperately needs depth at tackle. If they don’t trade up to select OT Eugene Monroe or if they don’t reach and take OT Michael Oher with their first round pick they will have to address it here. Tupou is my highest rated tackle available and can come in and compete for a starting spot. He is 6′6″ 310 and extremely powerful.

Agency Representation = Octagon

81. Bucs – DT Sen’Derrick Marks ~ Auburn = Tampa Bay is aging up front and needs to add an inside presence who can get penetration for their defense to be effective. Marks is known for his quickness and burst, so this active tackle prospect would fit nicely in Tampa Bay.

Agency Representation = Enter-Sports

82. Lions – LB Darry Beckwith ~ LSU = Detroit needs a middle linebacker to take LB Jordan Dizon’s spot. He is way too small, and Beckwith is 6′0″ 242. He was often overshadowed playing around so much NFL talent at LSU but was very consistent and solid against the run. Detroit’s current linebackers aren’t known for their run stopping abilities so Beckwith fits nicely.

Agency Representation = Athletic Resource Mgmt

83. Packers – OT Gerald Cadogan ~ Penn State = Green Bay has two 30+ year old tackles and just like every NFL team they need depth. Cadogan has been solid ever since taking over for former 1^st round pick Levi Brown. He has the potential to play some guard as well so his versatility gives him the nod here.

Agency Representation = XAM Sports

84. Broncos – DT/DE Mitch King ~ Iowa = With the move to the 3-4, defensive lineman became even more critical. King is a high motor, lunch pail type of player who will bring plenty of intensity to the defense. At 6′2″ 280, he has great size for an end spot. King also was extremely hard to block at the Senior Bowl, and was a two time first team All-Big 10 selection at Iowa as well as a four year starter.

Agency Representation = Eastern Athletic Services

85. Eagles – TE Travis Beckum ~ Wisconsin = Eagles have a young TE who showed promise last year in TE Brent Celek yet they did lose TE L.J. Smith so they will be looking for depth. Beckum is a very talented receiving tight end and wouldn’t have to start right away in Philly which could benefit him very much as a rookie.

Agency Representation = Maximum Sports

86. Vikings – WR Juaquin Inglesias ~ Oklahoma = Minnesota needs a third receiver behind starters Sidney Rice & Bernard Berrian. Inglesias has lead Oklahoma in receptions & receiving yards the past two seasons yet still flew under the radar. He is 6′1″ 210 and gets by in his intangibles. He runs very crisp routes and has underrated hands.

Agency Representation = Allegiant Mgmt

87. Dolphins - NT Sammie Lee Hill ~ Stillman = Miami has the aging NT Jason Ferguson and would love to add depth not only at nose tackle but defensive end. Hill is 6′4″ 326 and dominated the small school ranks. Miami would like to bring in someone of this size and athleticism to groom for a starting role in the future.

Agency Representation = Goal Line Sports

88. Ravens - ILB Jasper Brinkley ~ South Carolina = Baltimore lost starting ILB Bart Scott to the Jets in free agency and could have his replacement in Brinkley. A former JUCO transfer, Brinkley is blessed with great size (6′2″ 252) and has the power to go with it. He would be learning from the best and could be special in Baltimore’s scheme.

Agency Representation = SportStars

89. Patriots – DT/DE Ricky Jean-Francois ~ LSU = It is almost a given that New England will trade one of their second or third rounder’s but if they are here and Francois is on the board it will be very hard for New England to pass him up. Jean-Francois was an underachiever at LSU, but has a whole lot of talent. At 6′3″ 295, he fits perfectly into the 3-4 and has versatility that New England covets.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

90. Falcons – OLB Marcus Freeman ~ Ohio State = Atlanta cleaned house this off-season at linebacker cutting both their starting outside linebackers. Freeman has been one of the most underrated, yet productive (he had more solo tackles than LB James Laurinaitis over the past 2 seasons) linebackers in the nation. He has struggled with minor injuries throughout his career in college but showed at the Senior Bowl against top competition he’s no slouch. This fills a huge need for the Falcons, and could be another great draft pick by GM Thomas Dimitroff.

Agency Representation = DeBartolo Sports

91. Giants – RB Andre Brown ~ N.C. State = The Giants are going to have to replace RB Derrick Ward and the 1,025 yards that he gained last season. RB Brandon Jacobs is the most powerful running back in the league, and RB Ahmad Bradshaw is a just a very good scat back. RB Andre Brown had a brilliant Senior Bowl performance (he was a beast in practice) and he had a stellar combine as well (4.49 40 yard dash, 24 reps of 225, 37 inch vertical). Brown is one of my favorite players in the draft as well.

Agency Representation = Enter-Sports

92. Colts – OLB Kaluka Maiava ~ USC = Indianapolis loves undersized linebackers, and Maiava is said to be a “poor man’s Lofa Tatupu” who was hardly mentioned at USC with all the big names surrounding him. At 5′11″ 229, Maiava gets by with his ability to find the ball and show off his football IQ. The Colts need a smart, instinctive linebacker to add to the mix.

Agency Representation = Priority Sports

93. Panthers – DT Fili Moala ~ USC = Carolina let DT Darwin Walker go in free agency and really need a guy to come in and compete for a starting job. Moala is 6′4″ 305 and can really move well for being 300+ pounds.

Agency Representation = Premier Sports

94. Titans – ILB Jason Phillips ~ TCU = Tennessee doesn’t have much of a presence in the middle of their defense and Phillips is one of the more underrated prospects in the entire draft. He suffered a recent injury so that is why he may slide a little bit. Phillips has one of the biggest motors of any linebacker in this class and good size as well (6′1″ 240).

Agency Representation = Schlegel Woy

95. Cardinals – LB Cody Brown ~ Connecticut = Arizona plays a hybrid version of the 4-3 with a lot of 3-4 mixed in. Brown is the best prospect available here regardless of position. He showed at the Senior Bowl that he can compete with top notch talent and could eventually replace LB Chike Okafor in Arizona.

Agency Representation = PlayersRep Sports

96. Steelers – WR Derrick Williams ~ Penn State = Pittsburgh lost slot receiver Nate Washington to the Titans in free agency. WR Limas Sweed is expected to fill that role, but he is much more of a possession receiver. Williams at the very least could take over as the kick/punt returner for Pittsburgh and provide a deep threat that Washington used to be for the Steelers. It doesn’t hurt that Williams would be well received from the hometown fans either.

Agency Representation = Blue Equity

97. Patriots – ILB Scott McKillop ~ Pittsburgh = One word describes McKillop and that is a “gamer”. He won’t wow anybody with his measurables but he is rich in the intangible department. The Patriots are going to need a replacement very soon for ILB Tedy Bruschi and McKillop resembles him very much.

Agency Representation = Athletes First

98. Bengals – C Antoine Caldwell ~ Alabama = Cincinnati has major needs on the offensive line to include center. 32 year old starter Bobbie Williams has been a trooper for the team but they need to get younger and better at the position. Caldwell was rock solid for Alabama and can be an anchor in the NFL. He just needs to gradually cut down on the mental lapses that he sometimes has, because physically he has it all.

Agency Representation = Eastern Athletic Services

99. Bears – DT Terrance Taylor ~ Michigan = The Bears are aging at some key positions on defense to include safety and corner. Aside from DT Tommie Harris (who is having trouble staying healthy himself as of late) they are extremely weak at defensive tackle. Taylor is a big, very strong body that can help plug up the middle and let LB’s Brian Urlacher & LB Lance Briggs roam free.

Agency Representation = Octagon

100. Giants – ILB/OLB Dannell Ellerbe ~ Georgia = This is a value pick more than anything, yet with ILB Antonio Pierce’s apparent decline it could pay dividends in a couple seasons. Ellerbe fought through nagging injuries last year in Athens, but the year before he was stellar. Ellerbe could be a flash in the pan, or he could just have had an unfortunate year. His talent will be worth the risk of a third round pick.

Agency Representation = Law ofcs of James Williams

Fringe 3^rd Rounder’s = C A.Q. Shipley – Penn State, RB Javon Ringer – Michigan State (3.98 short shuttle), CB Mike Parson – Ohio, CB Asher Allen – Georgia, OLB Jason Williams – Western Illinois (4.43 40, 39 inch vertical, 26 reps of 225 at 6′1″ 241), WR Austin Collie – BYU (great hands), OT Troy Kropog – Tulane, RB Rashad Jennings – Liberty (6′1″ 234, 29 reps of 225), OLB Gerald McRath -Southern Miss, OG Trevor Canfield – Cincinnati, S Michael Hamlin – Clemson, S Chris Clemons – Clemson, CB Mike Mickens – Cincinnati, OLB Zack Follett – California, NT Chris Baker – Hampton, ILB Worrell Williams – California (brother of Broncos LB D.J. Williams), OT Augustus Parrish – Kent State, DE Kyle Moore – USC, DE/DT Will Johnson – Michigan (47 reps of 225), OT Sebastian Vollmer – Houston, CB Donald Washington – Ohio State (43 inch vertical),  OT T.J. Lang – Eastern Michigan, S Darcel McBath – Texas Tech, WR Mike Wallace – Mississippi (4.33 40), WR Aaron Kelly – Clemson, DE Brandon Williams – Texas Tech, RB Kory Sheets – Purdue, Brooks Foster – North Carolina (27 reps of 225), OG/OT Herman Johnson, RB Andrew Johnson – Akron (Dynasty Client)

For some more mocks, check out hailRedskins Mock Draft Database, FFToolbox – 2008 NFL Mock Drafts & Prospect Profiles, or DC Pro Sports Report.

One question I get repeatedly, from newly certified agent to seasoned veteran, is: How do I get my kid into a college football all-star game? The question comes up so frequently that when I was invited by Darren to address this, I was happy to oblige.

The following are some general thoughts on the all-star selection process as well as a game-by-game breakdown of the three remaining ‘major’ all-star games in the wake of the Hula Bowl’s demise.

A brief overview

• How many players? The Senior Bowl and Shrine Game feature two 50-man rosters each, while the Texas vs. The Nation game usually has two 60-man rosters.
• When do they start getting invites? Typically, the Shrine Game invites its players first, while the Senior Bowl and Hula Bowl gradually invite players as the fall progresses. The Shrine Game notifies players of ‘watch list’ status in late summer/early fall, which can at times be taken as an official invite, though it’s not.
• When is the process complete? In many cases, invitations are being made days before players are set to report, and there are often players lost due to injury that must be replaced. For that reason, it’s important for a player rep to be regularly in contact with each game’s personnel director.
• How do I contact the games? There is contact information on the Web sites of the Shrine Game and the Texas vs. The Nation contest. The Senior Bowl’s Executive Director only communicates with a select number of agents.
• What if I get told ‘no’? Don’t give up. Always be respectful, always be patient, but continue to check in with the personnel directors for games. Both emails and phone calls are good ways to stay in touch. The slot that was filled yesterday might be open today, and often the player that is less desirable but easier to reach gets selected.
• As an agent, what expenses should I expect? The player’s travel, food, lodging and uniform/basic apparel are provided. Usually, you will only have to come out of pocket for the expenses you incur if you choose to attend the game/practices. However, keep in mind that most games run on very limited budgets, and agents who can afford to get their guy to the game, especially last-minute (when plane fare costs the most), can sometimes earn a slot where there would not have been one. It’s worth absorbing some minimal costs (new clothes if baggage is lost; an airline reservation change fee if your player has to leave earlier than scheduled; Fed Ex costs if your player doesn’t want to take his own pads back to school) to get your client in front of NFL eyes.
• What kind of access can I expect during game week? Usually, you will have the opportunity to rent a room at the official hotel, you will be able to attend practices, and you will have access to your client whenever he’s not taking part in an all-star function. If you choose to stay for the game, it’s rarely a problem to get tickets, and often your player can get you comps. Usually, you will NOT get access to weigh-ins, to the locker rooms, or to the coaches during game week. There will likely be scouts-only functions like lunches or dinners you might not be able to attend. But you will have plenty of opportunities to interact with your client. Agents normally take their clients out to dinner some time during the week and that’s never a problem, either, as long as it doesn’t conflict with an official game function.

Senior Bowl: The Senior Bowl is the unquestioned leader among the top three all-star games. It’s not the most ’senior’ of the games nor does it have the most tradition, but it’s certainly the one favored by the league given its affiliation with the NFL. Executive Director Steve Hale assembles the rosters with the help of NFL scouts and executives.

The Senior Bowl gets the best players for a few reasons. One, the game is the only one staffed by active NFL teams (one takes the North, and one takes the South), and traditionally, those two teams select a high number of Senior Bowl players (from both rosters) because they’ve made an indelible impression. It also helps to promulgate the game’s image as the ‘official’ game of the NFL draft, and the one you must attend if you want to be selected. Usually, about 85-90 percent of its players get drafted and 95 percent go to NFL camps.

Second, it easily has the biggest budget. The Senior Bowl is the only game that has been continuously sponsored by corporate America for the last four or five years, and that’s because it carries the NFL brand. Also, the game doesn’t have to worry about a time-buy on a big network because it has wisely contracted with the NFL Network, which has considerably less reach into the marketplace, but also doesn’t charge an “advertising” fee for three-and-a-half hours of programming at a six-figure rate. This is a major, major, major consideration. It’s also the showpiece of the City of Mobile, almost a Super Bowl for the town. All the movers and shakers of the town are part of the nightly dinners at the team hotel, so there is never a shortage of local support at the ticket office or when it comes to general needs and resources (transportation, goodie bags, etc.).

Third, the game is the unofficial ‘convention site’ for people in the industry. It’s the only game that gets every team represented, every year, with the biggest team contingent. It’s not unusual to see a team’s GM, head coach, and all its area scouts in the stands at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on Tuesday or Wednesday. What’s more, the game is the job marketplace for out-of-work coaches seeking to get back into the game, or for college coaches trying to move to a higher level. On top of that, hundreds of agents, financial advisers, marketers, draft ‘experts’ and media, and other league types and would-be league types are part of the throng. For the most part, the crowd moves en masse, starting in the lobby of the team hotel, moving to Ladd-Peebles for morning practice, descending on Mobile’s eating establishments for lunch, returning to Ladd for the afternoon practice, then spending the evening back at the team hotel for the nightly lavish buffets sponsored by the game. Often, players are selected far higher than they would have if they hadn’t played in Mobile because so many decision-makers are on hand, in person. If you’re into seeing high-profile NFL types, the best place to be is Mobile in mid-January.

Fortunately, access is rather easy to gain if you play by the rules, applying in advance through the proper channels, and conducting yourself professionally once you are credentialed. The weigh-in on Monday morning is getting tougher to gain entry to, but practices aren’t; if you’re credentialed, you get access to one side of Ladd, but even if you’re not, you can still gain access to the other side, and often this is the area where many coaches and scouts like to sit because they are less likely to get ‘accosted’ by an agent trying to market his player, or a job-seeker.

The people that run the game are professionals, and they’ve been doing it for a long time. They also have a substantial number of staff members to help out, and for the most part, they work in concert to get things done very efficiently. For all these reasons, the Senior Bowl is in a class by itself.

Shrine Game: The Shrine Game is still standing admirably as the undisputed No. 2 all-star contest, but it’s on far shakier ground financially than the Senior Bowl, due to the enormous challenges that face college all-star games in today’s programming climate. Though the game has a very noble cause and is well-organized, it has been played in five venues and three cities in the last six years. It is important to note that the NFL does not provide any assistance to any games except the Senior Bowl, but for a per-team fee on the order of $300-$400 paid by each NFL franchise that sends scouting contingents.

The game serves as a fundraiser for Shrine Hospitals all over the country, and used to be run primarily by the Shriners of the San Francisco Bay Area. However, generational changes in the Shriners there left the game more to the national Shrine organization, which took on the challenge of running the game with the help of several coaches who sit on the advisory board and assist in the selection of players for the game.

The number of former coaches who sit on the board, in addition to full-time employees Jack Hart (the Executive Director) and William Homer (Director of Personnel and Operations), leads to a rather byzantine structure for choosing players. It’s a little harder to get answers on the status of specific players because so many men factor into the decisions.

There are other reasons that the Shrine Game is a little tricky when it comes to soliciting invitations for players. For one, the game is the only one that selects a formal ‘watch list’ for prospective players. Invitations tend to come strictly from this list, and if a player isn’t on this list (which is quite expansive), he is essentially a non-entity for the purposes of the Shrine Game. Two, because ticket sales are critical to fundraising, the game leans very heavily toward ‘big-helmet’ players, i.e., players from BCS schools that are more recognizable to potential ticket-buyers. Three, players from Texas, and especially the Houston area, get preference (again, ticket sales). Finally, and most importantly, the Shrine Game sends out invitations early in the season to the very best players. The problem is that most of these players, because they are elite, will consider only playing in the Senior Bowl (if even that game). However, because this is a ‘bird in the hand,’ they won’t decline their Shrine invitations until they are officially invited to Mobile. In many cases, this doesn’t take place until December (or even January) for more than half of the players on the invitation list. That means that these spots are held a long time for players who will never take them.

With all this said, if you can reach Hart of Homer, they will usually give you a good handle on where in the pecking order a specific player stands. Contact information can be found on the game’s Web site.

Texas vs. The Nation: The Western Refining Texas vs. The Nation Challenge is entering its third year in 2009. Though younger than the other two games, it is the unquestioned No. 3 game with the cancellation of the Hula Bowl, and will get a substantially better class of players this year.

The game tends to take a greater number of players than the other two (about 115-120, whereas the Senior and Hula take around 100), which gives it great appeal, and has gotten solid coverage by NFL scouts despite the fact that it hasn’t had supremely talented rosters.

The good news for player representatives is that John Murphy, who handles personnel for the game, is the one person who makes the decisions, and he’s reasonably accessible via email or phone. He’s worked with several games and knows the drill.

One other note: traditionally, the No. 3 game fills up more quickly than the other two games because players quickly accept their invitations so as to have something to fall back on. However, as the ‘dominoes fall’ and the games ahead of the No. 3 game fill up, openings appear that have to be filled. This means that the roster is almost always in flux as the game draws nearer, and provides opportunities to the agent who hustles and is persistent.

The failure of the Hula Bowl and Blue-Gray Classic: Two games that combined for over 120 years of history – and that used to be key parts of a scout’s calendar – have become defunct in the last five years. The Blue-Gray All-Star Classic was last played in 2003, and will likely never return; the loss of game sponsor Kelley Tires was fatal. The Hula Bowl, which probably has the most impressive all-time roster, also struggled and failed after losing Hooters as a sponsor; last year’s game is more than likely its last.

Their collapse is a testament to the shifting economic model of college all-star contests, which used to rely on the interest generated by college football fans eager to see obscure players. With the prevalence of college football on television today, that interest has died to a great degree, and as ratings and gate returns have decreased, the games’ attraction to sponsors has waned.

Golf

• A troubling economy touches the links [PGA Tour purses likely to flatten].

College Football

• A cool 2.2 mil per year [Gundy rewarded with seven-year, $15.7 million deal].
• The Gator Nation will definitely miss Dan Mullen [Mississippi State hires Florida coordinator as coach].

Baseball

• Albert Irby has indictment dropped, but still must pay $ to Ray Lankford [Deal ends agent's case].
• A rise of 3.6% is a cause for concern? [MLB salary increase lowest since '04]
• Investing in Brazil…next up, Panama? [Rays Invest in Brazil. What Took So Long?].

NFL

• Even the NFL is not immune [NFL laying off about 150].
• While the NFL and the rest of the economy is suffering, the NFLPA is doing just fine [NFLPA earns a record $35 million].

Anyway, since many collegiate football players can now sign with an agent in compliance with all rules and regulations, it is important for them to be aware of some tips that may guide them in the selection process.  If you are an athlete or parent of an athlete reading this blog, go ahead and read over this sheet released by the NFLPA.  If you are an agent trying to secure an athlete as a client, send it off to that potential client.  I assume that he will appreciate the fact that you are going out of your way to help him protect himself considering the importance of the decision he will be making.

In the short memo, this paragraph stuck out to me:

Hiring an agent who has the most experience or who has represented the most number of players is not necessarily the best choice. There are more than 750 certified agents with varying degrees of experience and numbers of clients. “Just because an agent is less experienced or works at a smaller firm does not necessarily mean he or she can’t provide the same level of service or expertise in contract negotiations,” [Mark] Levin, [NFLPA Director of Salary Cap and Agent Administration] said.

Think about the selection process as a buffet.  If you are on any of the myriad of draft boards published by a variety of publications and websites, I am sure that you have at least a handful of agents looking to represent you.  Each agent has his or her selling points and all are different in their own ways.  What are you looking for?  Is it an agency that has a ton of clients and has the resume and experience to make you feel calm going into the draft?  Or are you looking for a smaller group that will put you at the top of its agenda and put a great amount of energy into making sure every GM knows who you are and what kind of cereal you eat in the morning?  One thing to remember is that every agent and agency started somewhere.  Even Drew Rosenhaus, who know has more clients than he does cell phones (has to be at least 50, right?), had to convince his first client to choose him over someone else who had a large client base at the time.