Following is a synopsis of what scouts and media are saying about possible Washington, Washington State and Western Washington draftees.
DT Larry Triplett: The gurus love his quickness, explosiveness and work ethic, but question his size. At 6-1, 305, he’s not the tall, wide-bodied interior lineman who knocks the socks off observers, but still is a solid prospect on the D-line, which is a hot commodity. Prediction: Late first or early second round.
TE Jerramy Stevens: Talent is not the question, although some bring up that Stevens never has been a dominant blocker. Some teams claim to have second thoughts about Stevens because of his multiple brushes with the law. Still, at 6-7, 265, Stevens has all the physical tools to be the best of a great crop of pro tight ends from Washington – Cam Cleeland, Mark Bruener, Aaron Pierce, Ernie Conwell, etc. Prediction: First or second.
CB Omare Lowe: Showed decent speed in the combines (4.58 seconds in the 40) and may be drafted as a safety, which is a more natural position for him. Uses his body well to position him between a receiver and the ball, but struggles in man coverage. Prediction: Sixth or seventh round.
C Kyle Benn: Very smart. Tough. Durable. Scouts like how quickly he sets up for blocking after the snap, but is limited athletically. Prediction: Seventh round or free agent.
DT-DE Marcus Roberson: Played underweight at 255-260 at Washington and shoulder problems messed with his productivity both seasons. Still, he’s a god athlete who’s quick off the ball. And he’s put on 20 pounds since the season ended. Considered to have a good upside. Prediction: Free agent.
TB Willie Hurst: An overachiever who got the most out of his ability at Washington. What he does best is see the holes, and either bursts through or bounces to the outside. He has decent hands and could make a good third-down back in the right system. Prediction: Free agent.
WR Todd Elstrom: A possession guy who presents a big target at 6-2, 200. Very good hands, but speed will prevent him from being drafted. Prediction: Free agent.
TE Joe Collier: Could fit in with a team that needs a solid blocker at the position. Not the receiver that Stevens is, but at 6-6, 260, he stays with his blocks. Prediction: Free agent.
S Lamont Thompson: Had 22 career interceptions, a Pac-10 record. Defends well against the run and pass. Reads plays well and is a great athlete. Only question is the neck injury that kept him out of 2000. Complete package. Prediction: Late first or early second round.
OLB Raonall Smith: Good athlete, fast enough to follow tight ends down the field. Doesn’t bite on play-action passes. Solid tackler. Has had shoulder problems in the past, but still is strong at the point of attack. Prediction: Third round.
WR Nakoa McElrath: A JC transfer who had a great senior year. Does everything needed to make it in the NFL, but maturity is a question. Sometimes takes plays off if he’s not the primary receiver. Prediction: Fourth or fifth round.
S Billy Newman: Tough player who’s very aggressive in run defense. At 5-10, 200, doesn’t have the size to be a full-time safety, but would be effective on special teams and as a dime back. Prediction: Sixth round.
TB Dave Minnich: Tough runner, especially in the interior. Rarely goes down on initial contact. Lacks speed to get outside and will turn 28 this year. Prediction: Seventh round or free agent.
QB Scott Mitchell: Athletic guy who can make plays with his arm or legs. Can make any throw necessary in the pros, but lacks a fluid delivery. He takes an extra hop on his three-step drops, which slows his delivery. He’s been a star in the Division II level, but he has to iron out the passing fundamentals to break into the NFL. Prediction: Free agent.
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