A little reality check this am for some of you guys sporting the Kool Aid costume this week
FRIDAY BUZZ COLUMN
ESPN’s Trey Wingo cracked during the third round of the NFL draft that “two of the last three picks have been from Connecticut and we’re still waiting for one pick from the University of Michigan or Miami. Things are changing.”
The fact Miami had only two draft picks (Rams fifth-rounder Brandon McGee, Buccaneers sixth-rounder Mike James) was primarily a result of its small senior class and the previous year’s early departures. Still, UM now has gone five years in a row without a first-rounder after having one every year from 1995 to 2008.
And though the Hurricanes might not have one next year, evaluators see encouraging signs. “Things are changing with the talent level there, especially offensively,” said one NFL scout who studies UM a lot. “They can have at least five kids drafted next year.”
CBS’ Rob Rang lists defensive end Anthony Chickillo as the 45th-best overall prospect in next year’s draft (should he turn pro early) and Seantrel Henderson 49th.
CBS also lists Henderson the No. 5 senior tackle, Stephen Morris the No. 10 quarterback, Allen Hurns the No. 11 receiver, Asante Cleveland the No. 12 tight end and Brandon Linder the No. 16 guard. An NFC scout said he’s intrigued by tight end Clive Walford – “very talented” – and that Henderson can be a first-rounder if he plays to his potential.
Though he’s not there yet, the NFC scout said Morris could make himself a second-rounder if he keeps improving: “He will have the strongest arm in the draft next year.” And “he can move,” another scout said of his mobility. “He wins games.”
Morris will be part of a deep quarterback class, headlined by Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater, Alabama’s A.J. McCarron, Georgia’s Aaron Murray and Clemson’s Tajh Boyd. UM’s most electrifying player, running back Duke Johnson, will not be eligible for next year’s draft.
